In an era when all we seem to see in the media is bad news, it is refreshing to report some good news and recognize those individuals who persevere and focus on the positive things in life. The Atlanta Jewish Times believes it is important to highlight these young leaders in our community and honor them for their hard work. Likewise, our children need to see positive Jewish role models right here in our own community. Therefore, the AJT is pleased and proud to announce our inaugural 40 Under 40: forty Jewish leaders in their fields and in the community, who are under age forty.
ELISA ITELD ELLMAN
Elisa Iteld Ellman, 35, is the COO of Ideal Realty and Investment Company, Inc. with a B.S. in Public Relations from Boston University. Elisa was an event management specialist for Corinthian Events and the national events manager for the Jewish National Funds’ (JNF) national office in New York. She was the chair of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) Georgia Leadership Network (GLN) master class and the co-chair of GLN, as well as a member of AIPAC New York’s host committee for the annual young leadership gala dinner. She was the founder and chair of the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center Young Leadership, and continues her dedication to the organization as a member of the international board of governors. She sat on the boards of the council of young Jewish presidents, the Jewish National Fund, and Ohel Bais Ezra Young Leadership. Elisa demonstrates her commitment to the Jewish community through her involvement in Atlanta’s Jewish organizations, most notably the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Elisa was a graduate of the organization’s emerging leadership program and co-chair of the Federation’s 101 program. She is currently on the Federation’s Jewish continuity outcomes committee, host committee for various events, tikkun olam volunteers committee, and young leadership board as the director of education and young adult engagement. A member of the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s young adult committee, Elisa also dedicates a great deal of her time to Young Israel of Toco Hills. She was the presidential appointee to the general board, co-chair of the Shavuot program, and presidential appointee to the executive board. She is currently the shul’s chair for hospitality and programming, as well as the executive vice president. Elisa was honored by JNF at the 2008 staff conference and was the recipient of Yeshiva Atlanta’s Alumni of the Year Award in 2011 and the American Committee for Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s Dr. David Appelbaum Leadership Award in 2011.
RABBI CHAIM NEIDITCH
Chaim Neiditch, 38, is the executive director of the Jewish Student Union of Atlanta and southern regional director of the Orthodox Union. Chaim received his B.A. from Touro College, his M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, his Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshiva Torah Mitzion, and is currently working towards his Certification in Advanced Project Management at Stanford University. Chaim has served as the city coordinator for the New York Region of NCSY and the southern director of NCSY, Orthodox Union. His contributions to the Atlanta community are great not only in number, but in diversity as well. He has been on the Breman Museum’s Holocaust Remembrance Day planning committee and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s March of the Living committee. He was a speaker at both Chattahoochee High School and Centennial High School’s Baccalaureate Graduation ceremonies. He has led community service projects with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, NECHAMA, Stand Up for Kids, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Chai Lifeline Services. He was on the New York Mayors’ Youth Advisory Council for Mayors David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani; spokesperson representing Yeshiva University, Rabbinical College of America, and the Orthodox Union in identifying and organizing assistance for Hurricane Katrina survivors; and speaker at the ten-year memorial of 9/11 at Oglethrope University as part of President Obama’s interfaith and community service campus challenge. He has received the Kesser Shaim Tov Award and the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Orthodox Union. He was selected as one of eight members of the Federation’s first ever ProteJ Entrepreneurial Leadership program and was chosen as the Jewish Delegate for the Fulton County Faith Summit. He received the Federation’s Jewish Continuity Grant, won the Federation and the Marcus Foundation’s 2013 Shark Tank competition and was inducted into NCY’s Ben Zakkai International Honor Society.
ELISA JOY STERN
Elisa Joy Stern, 32, is the senior business development manager for Troutman Sanders LLP with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Philosophy from American University and M.A. in Media Ecology from New York University. After her time at American University, E.J. worked at Steptoe & Johnson as a marketing assistant and coordinator, splitting her time between New York and Washington, D.C. After receiving her M.A. degree, she spent one year in New York, working at Proskauer Rose LLP as a business development coordinator. Shortly after, E.J. moved to Atlanta to work as a marketing and client services manager at Troutman Sanders LLP, quickly taking on the business development leadership of several Atlanta-based practice groups. E.J. has served as the vice chair and campaign chair of the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Chapter. An active contributor to the L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) program, E.J. was the chair of the program’s 2014 class and co-chair of the program’s Atlanta chapter and opening retreat. Today, E.J. is a member of the American Jewish Committee’s board of directors, vice president of American University’s alumni chapter, and co-chair of L.E.A.D. Atlanta’s closing retreat. She was the scholarship recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. and member of the L.E.A.D. Atlanta Class of 2011.
JONATHAN ARI EPSTEIN
Jonathan Ari Epstein, 39, is the president and owner of Celebrated Experiences with a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College. Before shifting into a career in luxury travel, Jonathan served as the political outreach director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), deputy political director & campaign director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Iowa caucus director for John Kerry for President, and campaign manager for Martin O’Malley for Governor. Jonathan is a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s National Young Leadership Cabinet and board of trustees and member of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Will’s Club. In 2008, Luxury Travel Advisor nominated Jonathan’s company as one of the best destination specialists in the world. Jonathan was featured on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Twitter as one of the Top 100 Georgians and has been featured in periodicals such as USA Today, WendyPerrin.com, Huffington Post, NationalGeographic.com, and Travel Agent. In 2013, Conde Nast Traveler named Jonathan as one of the top 126 travel specialists in the world, highlighting his specialized luxury travel to Scotland.
STACI BRILL
Staci Brill, 36, is a fundraising and philanthropic consultant with a B.A. in Religion from Columbia University and a B.A. in Modern Jewish Studies from The Jewish Theological Seminary’s Albert A. List College. Staci has served on the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s planning, strategy, & management capital campaign and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s stability campaign. Staci has been the fundraising consultant for Hands on Atlanta’s planning and strategy campaign and campaign manager of O’Neill & Associates. Staci has been an event chair, development director and member of the board of advisors for Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. As an active member of the Atlanta Jewish community, Staci has dedicated her time to several Jewish organizations, serving in various capacities. She has been a volunteer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, board member and volunteer fundraiser for the Truancy Intervention Project, associate director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, development director for the American Jewish Committee and participant for the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s Destiny Fund. Staci was named Atlanta Jewish Life Magazine’s “Rising Star” in 2004 and was named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” in 2013. Staci is also a participant in Fisher FLIGHT’s global Jewish leadership program.
JASON SMITH
Jason Smith, 38, is the owner and head of sales for Mr. Mister Mosquito Control with a B.S. in Finance from the University of Georgia. Prior to founding Mr. Mister Mosquito Control, Jason had a successful career in the branded apparel arena, managing nationwide accounts for businesses such as Circuit City Uniform Program, Georgia Aquarium, and Turner Broadcasting. Jason also worked as the head of social media for Ian’s Friends Foundation for four years, and remains an active supporter of the organization’s pediatric brain tumor research. Incorporating his love of community service with his career, Jason conducts pro bono work for schools and parks including Weinstein Preschool, Camp Twin Lakes, Morningside Elementary, Georgia Autism, and Dunwoody’s Brook Run Dog Park. Jason has integrated an additional philanthropic component to his business through the creation of Nothing But Nets. With every new customer, Mr. Mister donates a life-saving mosquito net through Nothing But Nets to help combat malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses around the world. When he’s not working, Jason can be found coaching The Epstein School’s boys and girls tennis teams and building houses with Habitat for Humanity. Jason is also a current member of the Billi Marcus Foundation’s board of directors. Because of Jason’s charitable efforts and entrepreneurial success, he has been invited to be a part of Leadership Epstein and to be a keynote speaker for the Dale Carnegie Training sales class.
RENÉE ROSENHECK
Renée Rosenheck, 37, is the senior project manager of international investment at Georgia Department of Economic Development. She received her B.A. in Marketing and her M.A. in International Business from the University of Florida. She has worked as an inventory analyst for Foster’s Brewery in Sydney and an international trade specialist for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She is currently a member of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the American- Israel Chamber of Commerce for the Southeast and Atlanta’s French American Chamber of Commerce. Renée has been the president and board member for Atlanta Chevre Minyan, volunteer for Atlanta Lab Rescue’s golden retriever rescue, and member of the American Associates of Ben Gurion University’s Zin Fellow Leadership Program. Not only has Renéee been the co-chair for Limmud Atlanta + Southeast’s weekend retreat, she was also a member of the core leadership team that helped launch Limmud in the Southeast. Renée continues her community involvement by serving as a Hadassah Leadership Fellow for the Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Because of her outstanding work in Georgia’s economic development, Renée has been awarded the Eagle Star Deal of the Year and the “E Star Award” and has been named “Top Performer on the Team” by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
GEOFFREY MENKOWITZ
Geoffrey Menkowitz, 40, is the director Camp Ramah Darom with a B.A. in Classical Studies and an M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. From 2004-2006, Geoff attended the Jewish Theological Seminary for Advanced Studies in Jewish Education. Before working at Camp Ramah Darom, Geoff served as the director for the Joseph Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Learning at Hillel’s Schusterman International Center and wrote “JUST: Judaism, Action and Social Change,” a training guide used by BBYO, Hillel, and other organizations involved in Jewish social justice education. Geoff oversees Camp Yofi, Ramah Darom’s nationally recognized Family Camp program for children with Autism and their families, and supports Camp Ramah’s Special Needs programs by participating in events such as Ramah’s 2013 Israel Bike Ride. Under Geoff’s leadership, Ramah Darom received the American Camp Association’s 2012 Edie Klein Award for Program Excellence. Geoff has been credited with the continual progression of the educational community that is the summer home to thousands of children and young adults. Geoff is a regular presenter and contributor at professional organization conferences and gatherings including the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Grinspoon Foundation’s JCamp 360, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. He was presented with the 2014 “Innovation in Jewish Education” award by Camp Ramah in the Poconos. Geoff’s leadership is characterized by his energy, passion, and enthusiasm for Jewish living and his caring and sensitive approach to nurturing the next generation of leaders for the Jewish community.
JENNA SHULMAN
Jenna Shulman, 35, is the executive director of the Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) with a B.A. in Criminology from the University of Florida and J.D. from Emory University School of Law. After serving as a legal researcher at Emory University School of Law, Jenna was the director of the school’s Masters of Law program. In 2005, Jenna directed her attention toward the Jewish community, becoming the program director for ORT America’s Atlanta Region. At age 28, she rose to the role of region director, becoming the youngest region director in ORT’s national history. Jenna has served as The Temple’s “In the Neighborhood” project committee liaison, The Temple’s “Potluck Dinner” co-chair and the chair of the Jewish professionals committee. She is currently on the membership committee at The Temple, the vice president of Pine Hill’s Homeowner Association and the co-founder of juLuv. Jenna was the keynote speaker for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s 2013 legacy donor spotlight & legacies reception and was named to the Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s “Top 40@40” list. This young leader is an inspiration to others throughout the Jewish community.
DARRAH BRUSTEIN
Darrah Brustein, 30, is the CEO and founder of Equitable Payments, Finance Whiz Kids, and Network Under 40 with a B.A. in Italian Studies and Religion from Emory University. Darrah has served as the manager of J&Company’s Southeast territory and the head of marketing and business development for LifeKraft, Inc. She is also a member of Dynamic Entertainment System’s Sales and Business Development. Darrah is on the Emory College Alumni Board and operated as the President of the Emory Young Alumni Association from 2006-2012. Darrah was a founding member of the Atlanta Global Shapers, a network of hubs that are developed and created by young people who are dedicated to contributing to their communities, and served as the director of individual development for Junior Chamber International. She is currently a member and ambassador for the Metro Atlanta Chamber and member of the Decatur Business Association. Due to her fresh and innovative thinking, Darrah was the youngest recipient of the 2010 Metro Atlanta Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year Award and was invited to serve on the Young Entrepreneur’s Council. She was chosen as one of the fifty individuals from around the world, who are under the age of thirty, to attend the World Economic Forum’s annual conference in Davos, and was invited to go on a special trip to Israel for deserving social entrepreneurs by the Shusterman Foundation.
BLAIR ROTHSTEIN
Blair Rothstein, 36, is an investment advisor at Register Financial Associates, Inc. Blair received his B.A. in Economics and History from the University of Michigan, his J.D. from Tulane University Law School, and completed the University of Georgia Terry College of Business’ CFP Executive Program. After receiving his J.D., Blair worked as an attorney with Phelps Dunbar in New Orleans. Shortly after, Blair realized that he wanted to incorporate his desire to help others with his interest in investments, and ultimately transitioned into the financial services industry. He moved back to Atlanta and became a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services. Blair is a Southern Truth and Reconciliation board member and co-chair, University of Michigan Club of Atlanta vice president, Hillel Endowment committee member, Hebrew Order of David’s Lodge Magen David treasurer, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’ planning giving & endowment committee member and Jewish Networking Atlanta founder. Blair has been a participant in the Professional Leaders Project and was named to the Atlanta’s L.E.A.D. Class of 2009.
RUSSELL GOTTSCHALK
Russell Gottschalk, 29, is the executive director of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the director and founder of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival and the director of production for Learn it Live. After receiving his B.A. in Film and Music from Emory University, Russell took on the role of operational support/stage manager for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and audio/video technician for Southern Outdoor Cinema. A lover of film, music, and philanthropy, Russell has created the Atlanta Jewish Music Fesitval, a successful nonprofit organization. He has also been a member of the inaugural ProteJ cohort, which connected seasoned business leaders with Jewish social entrepreneurs. Russell serves on the executive board of ACCESS and on the Global ACCESS steering committee, focusing on interfaith and interethnic relations. He recently joined the leadership team of the Birthright Israel Foundation’s Atlanta chapter.
RACHEL WASSERMAN
Rachel Wasserman, 33, is the director of the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta and PG&E manager of special projects at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Rachel received her B.A. in Psychology and Judaic Studies from Brown University, her M.A. in Jewish Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary, and her M.S.W. in Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming from the Columbia University School of Social Work. Rachel has been a caseworker for the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, program services associate for the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, social work intern and individual therapist at the Fordham-Tremont Community Mental Health Center, social work intern at UJA-Federation of New York, and contracts compliance administrator and grants manager at Greyston Foundation. She was a member of AVODAH: Jewish Social Service Corps, Westchester Association of Development Officers, and Young Israel of North Riverdale youth committee. She currently spends her time volunteering for Beth Jacob of Atlanta. In 2013, Rachel received the Federation’s Pinnacle Award, which recognizes a Federation professional in their first three years of employment who exemplified understanding of the organization’s mission and applied that through work with lay leaders.
MICHAEL MERLIN
Michael Merlin, 39, is the managing director and financial advisor for Hansberger & Merlin at Morgan Stanley of Atlanta. With a B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University, Michael has taken the finance world by storm. He has been the financial advisor, first vice president and second vice president of The Horowitz Group at Smith Barney, and worked as the senior vice president and executive director of Merlin Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Michael serves on the boards of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Jewish Family and Career Services, and The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. Michael currently holds the position of Southeast regional chair for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), making him the youngest regional board chair in the organization’s history. Due to his business expertise and success, Michael has received a tremendous amount of recognition nationwide. He has been named to Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40,” On Wall Street magazine’s “Top 40 Advisors Under 40” (twice), Barron’s “Top 1000 Advisors,” Barron’s “Top 1200 Advisors,” Barron’s state by state top advisors in Georgia (twice), the Financial Times’ “Top 400 Financial Advisors” (twice) and REP. Magazine’s “Top 40 Wirehouse Advisors Under 40.” Michael has also been the recipient of the ADL’s Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award.
DREW FRANK
Drew Frank, 38, is the Associate Head of School at the Alfred and Adele Davis Academy with graduate degrees in Educational Psychology and Educational Administration from the University of Georgia. As a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Day School Leadership Training Institute, Drew has acquired the knowledge and skills to effectively lead a Jewish Day School. Drew has functioned as a teacher, assistant principal, director of academic enrichment, lower school principal, and director of academic operations at the Alfred and Adele Davis Academy. Drew is the co-creator of #blogamonth, a diverse professional learning network, and a member of #PDposse, a global teaching network made up of administrators who are focused on professional growth opportunities. He is also the organizer and moderator of Edcamp, a user-generated conference designed to provide professional development for educators. Drew was a board member for the Atlanta Black Jewish Coalition and is currently a member of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s engagement committee. He has been involved in Buddy Baseball, BATTER UP, Camp Twin Lakes, and Camp Jenny mitzvah projects. Drew was the presenter of “The Evolution of a Culture of Mindset, Growth, and Connectedness” at the international conference for the International Society for Technology in Education Administrator Personal Learning Network Forum.
LAUREN SINGER HARRIS
Lauren Singer Harris, 35, is an industrial/organizational psychologist at Lauren S. Harris, Ph.D., LLC, senior consultant at Designs on Talent, and senior consultant at Turknett Leadership Group. Lauren received her B.A. in Psychology from Emory University, her M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia, and her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia. After completing her undergraduate degree, Lauren spent three years working as an external consultant for clients like Bellsouth, American Cancer Society, and the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). She then became a research associate at Turknett Leadership Group for one year, before becoming a learning and development graduate intern for UPS. As a volunteer with the Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta, Lauren works to identify and create strategic partnerships and areas of potential revenue growth for both the counseling division and the agency as a whole through programming and fundraising. She has served as the organization’s counseling division chair and as a participant in the organization’s Jewish Tower Art Therapy Group. She continues her work with the foundation by playing an active role as a board member. In addition, Lauren is the founder and co-chair of Artscape, a fundraiser that highlights the therapeutic value of art. Lauren has been the recipient of the Leadership & Organization Development Journal Highly Commended Award, the Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies’ Leadership Award, and the JF&CS Herbert Kohn Meritorious Service Award. She also participated in the Jewish Family & Career Services’ Tools for Leaders and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Jacobson Leadership Institute.
DANIEL SPERLING
Daniel Sperling, 27, is the program director for The Marcus Foundation. Daniel received his Bachelor’s degree from Emory University, his Paramedic Certification from Medix College, and is currently working towards his M.B.A. degree at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. After graduating from Emory, Daniel began working as a paramedic at Grady EMS. Shortly after, he took on the role of program officer for The Marcus Foundation. Daniel was the chief of operations for Emory EMS and co-chair for Emory University’s AIDS memorial quilt on the quad. Today, he serves on the Birthright alumni committee. Daniel was the recipient of the Star of Life Award, given by the Georgia office of EMS and Trauma for successful resuscitation of an individual in the pre-hospital setting.
JESSICA GORDON
Jessica Lynne Gordon, 35, is an attorney, child advocate and adoption law specialist at Steffas & Associates, P.C. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Emory University and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. After completing her J.D., Jessica had the honor of being chosen as a federal appellate clerk for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Shortly after, she became a fellow-in-law for the Emory School of Law’s Barton Child Policy Clinic, eventually accepting an adjunct professor position with Emory’s law school. Jessica has served as the president-elect for the Georgia Council of Adoption Lawyers, secretary and founding member of the Georgia Council of Adoption Lawyers, board member of the Georgia Women of Change, and member and education representative for Congregation Or Hadash. She is currently a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Georgia Bar Association and is a room mom at Shallowford Falls Elementary School. An innovator in legal education and practice, Jessica received the Georgetown University Law Center Tutorial Program Award, the Order of the Coif, and was chosen as the editor for the Georgetown Law Journal.
ROSS KOGON
Ross Kogon, 38, is the CEO of Pull-A-Part and owner of ChemDX with a B.S. in Management and Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Ross was a senior consultant and project manager for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. An active member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Ross has chaired the young leadership executive committee, Planned Integrated Giving Pilot initiative, young leadership new donors committee, young adult super Sunday telethon party and has served on the Federation’s board of directors. He was a member of the Jewish Federations of North America and vice-chair of the organization’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. Ross dedicates his time and efforts to other organizations as well. He serves as a board member for Ahavath Achim Synagogue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, chair for AIPAC Young Leadership and member for the Wexner Heritage Fellowship program. He is currently the chair of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) of Atlanta and member of the AIPAC National Council. Ross has been the recipient of the Federation’s Abe Goldstein Young Leadership Award and AIPAC’s Jon Barkan Israel Advocacy Award. He has been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2006 “40 Under 40” in Atlanta, the Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40,” and Outstanding Atlanta’s “Top Ten Outstanding Young People of Atlanta.”
STACY EFRAT
Stacy Efrat, 35, is a marketing analytics manager at GE Capital with a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and M.B.A. from Georgia State University. Stacy has worked as a data analyst at Capital One and senior business analyst, project manager and digital program manager at Citigroup. From 2005-2009, Stacy served as the chairperson of Citigroup’s Atlanta diversity committee. An active member of Congregation Etz Chaim, Stacy has been a membership co-chair, trustee, member of the sisterhood nominating committee, and founder of the young families group. Today, she continues her involvement with Etz Chaim by serving as the congregation’s vice president. In 2013, Stacy chaired the Israel Bonds event, furthering Israel’s technological developments. In 2011, Stacy was awarded the Citigroup Quarterly Excellence Award, recognizing her outstanding work in implementing multiple large technology projects within a short period of time.
TODD HARRIS SURDEN
Todd Surden, 35, is a litigation attorney at Macey, Wilensky, & Hennings, LLC. Todd received his B.A. in Political Science from Columbia University, his B.A. in Modern Jewish History from the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Albert A. List College, and his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. After completing his undergraduate degree, Todd worked as a law clerk in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Once completing his J.D., he worked as an associate attorney at Lamm Rubenstone, LLC, in Trevose, Pennsylvania. After two years, Todd moved to Atlanta and continued his career as an associate attorney with Fields Howard, LLP, before accepting a position with Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. Todd eventually settled at McCurdy & Candler, LLC, where he spent the next four years of his career. An active member of Congregation Etz Chaim, Todd has served as a planning committee member for the congregational retreat, member of the long range planning committee, trustee, religion vice president, education vice president and is the current executive vice president. Todd has been a participant in the American-Jewish Committee’s Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding leadership retreat, member of the American Legal & Financial Network’s Junior Professionals & Executive Group, secretary of the Cobb County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division, and poll watcher for the Cobb County Democratic Party. Todd has been the recipient of the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Bina Appelman Memorial Education Award, Columbia University’s Kings Brown Leadership Legend Award, and Villanova University School of Law’s International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award.
DAN GORDON
Daniel Gordon, 37, is the chief operating officer at Extremity Healthcare Incorporated and the president and managing member of Soleria Development Group. Daniel attended Harvard University, the London School of Economics, and Emory University, receiving his B.A. in International Studies. Following his undergraduate studies, Daniel completed Emory University’s accelerated one-year M.B.A. program with a dualconcentration in real estate and finance. From 1999-2005, Daniel worked at The Home Depot Store Support Center as an analyst for the business leadership program, senior analyst for strategic business development, and manager of operations development. Following his work at Home Depot, Daniel served as the manager of due diligence at North American Properties and vice president and director of the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses. He has been the co-chair for L.E.A.D.’s Class of 2009 alumnus and program day, sponsor and participant for the Atlanta Food Bank’s Hunger Walk, executive board member for the Emory University Board of Visitors, treasurer and executive board member for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and member of the host committee for the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s golf tournament. He is currently a trustee, treasurer, and executive board member for Outstanding Atlanta. He is also the chair for Emerging Leader of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, board member of J-Screen and Healthcare Institute for National Renewal and Innovation, and member of Leadership Atlanta. The 2012 recipient of Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40” Award, Daniel has demonstrated his strong business and community leadership, all the while embracing his role as a loving husband and father.
DOV WILKER
Dov Wilker, 32, is the regional director of the American Jewish Committee with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami and an M.B.A. from the Tel Aviv University Recanati School of Business’ Sofaer International M.B.A. program. After graduating from the University of Miami, Dov worked as the director of academic & community affairs for the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States. Two years later, Dov accepted a position with the American Jewish Committee of Atlanta as the assistant regional director, eventually leaving to spend a year as the U.S. Government representative to Sri Lanka. After participating in the United States’ first professional exchange to South Asia, he went to Ramat Gan, Israel to work for Kampyle Ltd. as a manager of account services. Dov serves on the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta’s board, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Georgia Advisory Committee, and Advisory Council for Catholic Charities of Atlanta. Because of his unique travel experiences and commitment to making a difference, Dov has been named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” and to Atlanta’s L.E.A.D. Class of 2015.
MARC SKALLA
Marc Skalla, 36, is the president of SASCO Chemical Group, Inc. and the principal of Boulevard Capital Group, LLC with a Bachelor’s degree from Darton College. Marc is a board member of the National Association of Manufacturers and an advisory board member of the Next Generation of Manufacturers. An active participant within the Jewish community, Marc is a board member of the American Israeli Chamber of Commerce, member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s engagement committee and Ben Gurion Society and member of The Temple’s board of trustees. In addition to his contributions to the Jewish community, Marc serves as the vice chair for Meals on Wheels Atlanta. He has been honored with the President’s “E Star” Award, the Governor’s International Award for Growth, the ADEC Global Commerce Award, and the Boys and Girls Club of South Georgia’s National Merit Award.
COBI EDELSON COHEN
Cobi Edelson Cohen, 34, is a digital marketing manager at Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. in Political Science. Cobi was the creative director at BINDERS Art Supplies and Frames and the digital marketing coordinator for JF&CS. She has served the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in many capacities including co-chair of the concierge committee and member of the board of directors and young leadership council. She was a member of the board of directors for the Jewish National Fund Southeast Region and chair of JNFuture. Because of Cobi’s leadership within the Atlanta Jewish community, she has been awarded the 2008 Gerald H. Cohen Community Development Award and the 2011 Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award. Furthermore, she was named the co-chair of the 2013 10th Annual Jack Hirsch Jewish National Fund Memorial Breakfast and was presented the 2013 ORT Atlanta Next Gen Outstanding Community Leadership Award.
EILEEN SNOW PRICE
Eileen Snow Price, 37, is the founder and executive director of In the City Camp with a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University. Beginning in 2002, Eileen spent five years working with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta as an endowment associate, advising twenty private foundations. From 2007-2010, she worked at the Marcus foundation, where she helped create the Next Generation Jewish Philanthropic Initiative, a program that connected young Jewish adults with tikkun olam through participation in hands-on service trips. Prior to founding In the City Camp, Eileen served as president of Prior Philanthropic Consulting, where she helped nonprofit organizations operate efficiently and raise money strategically. Eileen has served in and learned from leadership roles with several nonprofit organizations. She has been a member of the Federation’s Young Leadership board, the Greenfield Hebrew Academy board, the Jewish Family & Career Services’ fundraising committee, and the Young Israel Toco Hills youth committee. She is currently a member of Jumpstart, development chair of Shearith Israel Shelter board, participant of Running Camp Limmud, and president of the Snow Family Foundation board. In 2003, Eileen was the recipient of Atlanta Jewish Life Magazine’s Up and Coming Jewish Leader Award.
MICHELLE KREBS LEVY
Michelle Krebs Levy, 34, is the founder and CEO of The Sixth Point with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and an M.B.A. from Georgia State University. Michelle has been the program director at Camp Barney Medintz; program director and Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow at North Carolina Hillel; special projects coordinator, community relations manager and marketing and events manager at Camp Twin Lakes. A dedicated and generous volunteer, Michelle has spent her time working at My House, The Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum and Camp Living Wonders. Michelle has also been a member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s communications committee. Because of Michelle’s unique ideas and passion for community, she was chosen as the winner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s 2013 My Jewish Life contest.
DANIEL KAUFMAN
Daniel Kaufman, 29, is the assistant vice president, senior financial advisor, and associate coordinator for the Practice Management Development program. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree from Emory University, Daniel is a certified Special Needs Advisor, a certified Financial Planner, and a chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. In 2007, Daniel participated in the one and only season of the Israel Baseball League, a professional league in Israel. In 2010, Daniel saw an opportunity to share his love of baseball with the children of the Jewish community and became the head coach for the Atlanta boy’s Maccabi baseball team for two years. Daniel was a member of the Erwin Zaban leadership committee, the Jewish Family & Career Services’ (JF&CS) Tools for Leaders program, and the ACCESS steering committee. He is currently a member of the PAL committee for JF&CS’ Big Brother Big Sister Program.
ERICA GAL
Erica Gal, 33, is a sales associate for Toco Hill Realty with a B.A. in Speech Communication from the University of Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Erica spent a year in Israel teaching English in schools, working with underprivileged children, and interning in the Jewish Agency for Israel and Federation’s marketing department. Following her return to America, Erica worked in the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s women’s campaign department. She worked as the office manager and campaign coordinator for the Hillels of Georgia and director of adult education at the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Brill Institute. A active member of the Federation, Erica has served as the chair for the organization’s young adult programming committee, young adult education committee, and Ben Gurion Society. She has also been on several of the Federation’s sub-committees including new gifts, Jewish day school task force, and financial resource and development. She continues to assist and contribute to the organization by serving on its board. This past year, both Erica and her husband served as the co-chairs for the Atlanta American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) community event. She is currently the secretary of the board of the Young Israel of Toco Hills and on the boards of Beth Jacob Preschool and the Jewish National Fund.
KERI GREENWALD
Keri Greenwald, 37, is a realtor in The Eydie Koonin Group at Harry Norman Realtors with a B.A. in International Studies and Ecomonics from Emory University. While at Emory, Keri helped bring American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to the campus by starting Emory Students for Israel. After graduating from college, Keri worked as an analyst at Diamond Technology Partners in Chicago. After moving back to Atlanta, Keri joined Cushman & Wakefield, becoming the first joint hire between the two firms, but eventually left the firm to take a job with The Jennings Group. After having two children, Keri worked part time for Michael Blonder of The Focus Group. However, she decided to shift career paths and created her own eco-friendly company called, Responsible Mommy. Keri has served as the co-chair of Temple Sinai’s tot Shabbat program, participated in Temple Sinai’s Atidaynu program, and helped plan women’s philanthropy events for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. She is currently a member of Atlanta’ AIPAC board and liaison between Temple Sinai and AIPAC.
ADAM HIRSCH
Adam Hirsch, 32, is a producer and director for Cabin 40 Productions and the managing partner and creative director for GOZA Tequila. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Journalism, Adam was hired by Turner Sports as a production assistant. After three years with Turner, he took a job with Fox Sports as an associate producer, but eventually left to begin his career as a freelance producer, working for networks such as ESPN and Fox Sports. Adam is a participant in Jewish Family & Career Service’s Tools for Leaders, member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Young Leadership Council, chair of the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Young Angels committee, and chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s young adults signature event. He is currently a member of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s selection committee, the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s board of directors, the Buckhead Business Association, the Black/Latino Council, and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia. He is also the chair for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s steering committee for young adults and social chair of Leadership Buckhead. Adam has won an Emmy Award for Best Sports Director in Short Form, Silver TELLY Award for Directing, “Best Sports Reporting Award” by the Society of Professional Journalists and Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Adam has also been named to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Southeast Chapter.
BETH HALPERN BROWN
Beth Halpern Brown, 33, is a community volunteer with a B.A. in English and Jewish Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, Master’s Degree in Jewish History from New York University, and M.A.T. in Social Studies from Georgia State University. Beth taught adult education at the Marcus Jewish Community Center and was a teacher at the Solomon Schechter High School of New York and The Weber School. She has been the chair of ACCESS and vicechair of the organization’s Israel and international relations committee. She has served on The Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Israel outcomes committee and advisory board, as well as the allocations committee. Beth has also been the co-chair of the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk and member of the Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Young Angels committee. She received the 2009 AIPAC Jonathan Barkan Israel Advocacy Award and the 2013 Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award.
RABBI PATRICK “ALEPH” BEAULIER
Rabbi Patrick “Aleph” Beaulier, 31, is the founder, president and executive director of PunkTorah, a Jewish non-profit organization that provides individuals around the world with acceptance and spiritual guidance. Rabbi Beaulier has a B.A. in Business Management from City University of Seattle and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Spokane Falls Community College. He received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Rabbinical Seminary International and his Para-Rabbinic Certification from Rodfei Kodesh. In addition to his work with PunkTorah, Rabbi Beaulier has created oneshul.org, darshanyeshiva.org and Shabbat Atlanta, three websites that offer Jewish learning in a pluralistic context. Always looking for ways to share Judaic knowledge, Rabbi Beaulier contributes to myjewishlearning.com and kveller.com as a freelance writer. He is a Torah study leader at Ahavath Achim and a volunteer/presenter for Limmud Atlanta + Southeast. He was invited to the 2010 Jewish Futures Conference and was the recipient of the 2011 Jewish New Media Innovation Fund Award, as well as the 2012 and 2013 Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Continuity Fund Grant. Due to his charitable, online foundations, he was presented the 2013 Google for Non-Profits Grant and the 2013 ProteJ Grant.
KAREN ISENBERG JONES
Karen Isenberg Jones, 39, is the principal of Karen Jones PR and vice president of public relations & marketing for Atlanta’s Impress Express receiving Karen received her B.A. in Political Science from Emory University. She is the director of media affairs and interfaith outreach for the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, assignment editor for CNN, and producer/ writer for CNN International. She has served as the special events chair for both the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) executive board and the International Preschool’s executive board. She was the co-chair of the JNF’s 2014 Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast and participated in the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) “Read for Respect” program this past year. Karen is currently the board president of Atlanta Road Trotters Kids Running Club, member of the ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute (GLI), and volunteer for Springdale Park Elementary. Karen has been honored by the ADL for graduating from the 2014 GLI class and has had a tree planted in her honor by JNF, recognizing her outstanding contribution to the board.
MATTHEW PEARL
Matthew Pearl, 32, is a reporter for WXIA-TV/11Alive with a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University. Prior to working for 11Alive Atlanta, Matt was the sports director at KMEG-TV in Sioux City, Iowa for one year before moving to Buffalo, New York to work as a news reporter and sports anchor for WGRZ-TV. In addition to sporting events, Matt has covered significant political and world events as well, including the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and the BP oil spill. Matt’s contributions to the Atlanta community extend far beyond his enlightening reporting, he has been a tutor/mentor for the Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo, volunteer for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and donor for A Hand Up Atlanta. He is currently a volunteer and mentor for YES! Atlanta and a board member of Lekotek of Georgia. In 2012, Matt received six Emmy awards, more than any other journalist in the Southeast region. Since arriving in Atlanta five years ago, Matt has won a total of 13 regional Emmy awards. He has also received four regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and has been named the National Press Photographer Association’s 2013 National Solo Video Journalist of the Year.
ALYSON BECCA GOODMAN
Alyson Goodman, 35, is a medical epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lieutenant Commander for the United States Public Health Service, and an adjunct instructor in Pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine. Alyson received her B.S. in Biology from Emory University, M.D. from Emory University School of Medicine, and M.P.H. from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. She completed the Boston Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center through Harvard University and Boston University. Alyson was a research assistant at the Emory University School of Medicine, teaching fellow at the Boston University School of Medicine, clinical fellow in Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and member of the Epidemic Intelligence Service for the CDC. She is a research and career mentor at the Emory University School of Medicine and applicant interviewer for the Emory University School of Medicine’s admissions committee. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, Commissioned Officers Association for the U.S. Public Health Service, Emory University Friends of Dance Board, Emory University School of Medicine Alumni Board, and Global Partnership for the Epidemiology of Developmental Disabilities’ member & lead of epi-tool subgroup. Alyson has been the recipient of several U.S. Public Health Service awards including the Officer Basic Training Ribbon, Unit Citation Award, Unit Commendation Award, and 2013 and 2014 Service Achievement Medals. She has also received the CDC’s Above and Beyond Award and the Benjamin Siegel Excellence in Medical Student Training Award.
MARISSA SHAMS, M.D.
Marissa Shams, 31, is a faculty member of the Emory University School of Medicine. She is an assistant professor of Allergy Immunology in the department of Pediatrics and department of Medicine. She received her B.S. from the University of Georgia, her M.D. from Mercer University School of Medicine, and completed her internal medicine residency at Tulane University School of Medicine. After completing her residency, Marissa was an Adult & Pediatric Allergy/ Immunology Fellow at Emory University School of Medicine. Marissa serves on the executive board of the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and is an active member of Allergists for Israel. She has been a part of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Fellows in Training and the Chrysalis Project Program. Despite being early in her career, Marissa has been honored by several organizations for her hard work in the medical field. She has received the Second Place Award for the Southeastern Society of General Internal Medicine’s Poster Competition, the Alexander McCausland SEAAI Travel Grant, the ACCAI Travel Grant, the AAISG Grant, the AAAAI Travel Grant, and the EAC Travel Grant.
AVERY V. KASTIN
Avery Kastin, 35, is the vice president and co-partner of Service Marketing, Inc. with a B.A. from Columbia University. Avery was an analyst at TM Capital Corp from 2002-2005 and an associate at Service Marketing, Inc. from 2005-2010. He functioned as the young professional chair for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and campaign chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s council. An active participant in ACCESS, the Atlanta Jewish Committee’s New Generation program, Avery has served as the chair, campaign chair, member of the organization’s steering committee. Today, he is on the American Jewish Committee’s board of directors, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Young Leadership Council’s executive committee, the Crusade for Art’s board of trustees, and The Temple’s board of trustees. He is also the treasurer for the Crusade of Art and the trusteeat- large for the Federation. Avery was the recipient of Columbia University’s President Dwight D. Eisenhower Award and the American Jewish Committee’s Exemplary Young Leadership Award. Avery’s business drive, passion for art, and love of Judaism classifies him as a strong leader in the Atlanta Jewish community.
AMY AGAMI
Amy Hertz Agami, 34, is a mother and community volunteer with a B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University and a M.A. in Teaching from National Louis University. Amy was an assistant teacher at The Latin School of Chicago from 2002-2004, a lead teacher at the Latin School of Chicago in 2005, and a lead teacher at The Westminster Schools from 2005-2008. Amy’s love of children has not only inspired her to teach, it has also inspired to her help organizations like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She has assisted the pediatric hospital by serving on the Emerging Leaders for Children’s inaugural group, chairing the “Scrubs Party,” and contributing to the Strong 4 Life Campaign. Amy has also been a board member of United Distributors, advisory board member for the Atlanta Speech School, member of the corporate sponsorship committee for the Atlanta Speech School’s annual gala, board member for the Hertz Family Foundation, and co-chair of The Weinberg Early Learning Center’s holiday committee.
ANA ROBBINS
Ana Robbins, 32, is the executive director of the Jewish Kids Groups, Foundation with a B.A. in Jewish Studies and Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and a M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology from Georgia State University’s College of Education. Following her undergraduate studies, Ana worked for the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel as a program coordinator and for Temple Emanuel as a Hebrew language coordinator and modern Israel teacher. While working towards her M.S., she was a teaching assistant for Dr. Ken Stein’s Arab-Israeli Conflict course. Ana is one of the five founding directors of the Nitzan Network and is an active member of the ROI Schusterman Network and the PresenTense Global Network. Ana is a participant in the Emory Scholars Program, mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, volunteer at Camp Twin Lakes and member of Limmud Atlanta + Southeast. She has been named as PresenTense Global’s Fellow for 2011 and 2013 and was accepted into the Anti-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute. Ana has written several publications about the need for Jewish education in schools and introduces effective teaching techniques that inspire children to learn. Always looking for ways to further assist the community, Ana is a true humanitarian.