Page 4 - Jewish News_Sept2021

4A September 2021 FEDERATION NEWS

Shep Englander...continued from page 2A
helpful in leading Jewish Federations,” level. It was incredibly gratifying to and roles,” Shep explained. This led to miliar with the community, as his
Shep said. see that happen.” start-up grants for a variety of projects. mother had been wintering in Saraso-
Following law school, Shep worked His work in Cincinnati began by For example, the Foundation helped ta for eight years. “My mom still lives
at a law firm in Washington, D.C., coordinating a $42 million capital fund the launch of a new business ser- outside New York City, and what she
which represented nonprofit clients on campaign in order to get a new com- vices group which enabled 24 different loves about Sarasota is the arts and cul-
public policy issues. After four years munity campus built, a campus that nonprofits to close their finance and ture, which is at a level to which she
there, he went to work for the lobbying housed a JCC, the Federation offices, a accounting offices, and outsource all of was accustomed after living in New
and public policy office for The Jew- few other agencies including a summer their business services to Federation’s York all her life,” Shep said. “When
ish Federations of North America, the camp and later, Jewish Family Service. shared service group. “Not only has she heard I was thinking about looking
Federation’s national umbrella orga- at other communities, she went right to
nization. “I managed JFNA’s national “I’ve been impressed with the caliber of the community leaders work advocating for Sarasota.
public policy work,” Shep said. “After “My wife Hayley was neck and
five years there, I became very interest- I’ve met in the Sarasota-Manatee region. In the short time I’ve neck with my mom in terms of advo-
ed in the work of our clients, the Jew- been here, I’ve seen uncommon smarts, deep experience and high cating for me to apply for the Sarasota
ish Federations themselves, which led expectations. I’m excited to partner with them as the Federation’s position. Hayley and I are both out-
me to accept the position of Vice Presi- new CEO, and together, to realize the unique potential of this doors people and Hayley is a passion-
dent of the United Jewish Federation of community.” – Shep Englander ate tennis player. Today, she is already
Pittsburgh, where I was put in charge on tap to join a team at the Lakewood
of that Federation’s grant making, pub- Ranch Tennis Center. We are also en-
lic affairs, community and government “It was very similar to Sarasota’s new this proven to be a cost-efficient way joying our mutual love of kayaking,
relations, and its Israel programs,” he campus, which I understand includes for the nonprofits to work, it also creat- which, wonderfully, we can now do
explained. plans for the Joel and Gail Morganroth ed operational relationships among all right outside our new back door.”
Leading in Cincinnati Event Center and its theatre named for the nonprofits in the Jewish communi- With the decision made, Shep has
Only three years later, Shep got a call Bea Friedman; the day camp named by ty,” Shep explained. “It required a lot been busy in the months since his ap-
asking if he would be interested in in- Karen and Tommy Bernstein for their of trust, but helped us align the com- pointment, familiarizing himself with
terviewing for the position of CEO of daughter Marci Lynn; and the Bob munity. I love growing new approach- the Federation and the community.
the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. and Esther Heller Israel Center in the es and trying new models, something “Like Cincinnati, I have found
Shep was surprised because his Cultural Arts and Education Building, I look forward to doing in Sarasota, as that Sarasota attracts people who un-
portfolio in Pittsburgh had not empha- which will focus on Israeli innovation, well.” derstand the value of community,” he
sized fundraising. He learned that at Jewish pride and Jewish heritage,” He also spearheaded and launched said. “Sometimes, in very large cities,
that time, the Cincinnati Federation’s Shep said. SAFE Cincinnati, a community-wide it can be harder to make connections. I
primary need was for someone who Shep also forged a unique collabo- security and emergency management have based my career in medium-sized
could help reduce wasteful turf battles rative partnership between the Federa- initiative, and doubled the organiza- cities, which both my wife and I have
and blame, and get everyone around tion and a new large private foundation. tion’s endowment from $52 million in found to be more personal and dynam-
the table and find shared goals and When the Jewish Hospital of Cincinna- 2005 to $104 million in 2019. ic.”
vision. “That’s what they hired me to ti was sold, the proceeds were used to Moving on to Sarasota-Manatee One of the first things that attracted
do, and that’s what I enjoy doing. So create a new private foundation. “I did After 16 years in Cincinnati, Shep felt Shep to Sarasota was the brain power
it ended up being a very good match,” not approach them seeking funding. I it was time to take the next step in his of the community members and the
Shep said. “We moved to Cincinnati to approached them as a thought-partner, career. Enter The Jewish Federation of volunteer leadership. “I have already
help bring the community together and and we were able to define and align Sarasota-Manatee. met so many incredibly successful,
the quality of Jewish life to the next our respective organizational goals Shep was already somewhat fa- continued on next page

MOON & COMPANY EYEWEAR
F
LUXURY & EXOTIC
Custom Prescription Eyewear

rom our Federation

family to yours,

we wish you a Happy,

Healthy and Bright

New Year!

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL GIFT
$100 o on a pair of presciption glasses
and $50 o a comprehensive eye exam.

T: 941-260-8523
W: mooncoeyewear.com
E: sales@mooncoeyewear.com
105 S Lemon AVE | Sarasota, Fl 34236
362301-1 362301-1