Provided Fundraising, Strategic Planning, and Leadership

as a Board Member and President at Hillel at UVA

Jewish Student Life and Program Support

Background: As a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at Hillel at the University of Virginia (UVA) for over a decade, and a distinguished tenure as President for five years, I played a pivotal role in steering the organization towards unprecedented growth and impact. My multifaceted responsibilities encompassed direct management of the talented and dedicated Executive Director, strategic planning, fundraising initiatives, and the nurturing of an inclusive and vibrant Jewish community across Grounds.

Leadership and Strategic Planning: As Board President, I provided important leadership and oversight, guiding the Board in the formulation and execution of strategic plans that aligned with Hillel’s mission and vision. Along with the excellent work of the Executive Director, Rabbi Jake Rubin, and his team, I believe my dedication was a significant factor in driving the organization forward, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in meeting the evolving needs of Jewish students at UVA

Comprehensive Campaign Success: Under my stewardship, the team at Hillel at UVA achieved remarkable success in fundraising efforts, notably launching and successfully concluding two Capital Campaigns that collectively raised $6 million and annual campaigns to support student life and activities. My close involvement underscored my commitment to securing the financial resources necessary for the organization’s growth and sustainability.

Program Support and Community Engagement: As typical for small organizations, funding was tight, and the Executive Director first worked on his own to obtain funding. After significant annual campaign success, Rabbi Jake and his team of five professionals continued and expanded such efforts, which considerable support from the Board. This support facilitated the implementation of diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience and fostering a sense of community among the 1000 Jewish students at UVA. There are 12 engagement groups, all student led, which provide avenues for volunteer work, religious observance, and social interaction, enriching the lives of Jewish students on campus, and keeping lines of communication open for dialogue with the diverse student body at UVA. 

Recognition and Impact: The impact of Rabbi Jake’s excellent leadership and contributions to Hillel at UVA has not gone unnoticed. The organization has been consistently recognized as an outstanding Campus Hillel, a testament to the efficacy of its leadership, programs, and the strength of its community. Furthermore, the Executive Director, Rabbi Jake Rubin, has been honored with The Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award, highlighting his exceptional leadership, both at UVA and within the broader Hillel International network. I view my leadership of the organization over a dozen years with heartfelt appreciation for Rabbi Jake, the team, and Board members. I am grateful for the leadership opportunity it afforded me that benefited thousands of UVA students, the community and me to grow as a leader.

Conclusion: In summary, my tenure on the Board of Directors at Hillel at UVA exemplifies a profound commitment to fostering community, supporting philanthropic endeavors, and advancing the organization’s mission of enriching Jewish student life. My leadership, insight, and dedication to community, and fundraising for that community, have been instrumental in driving growth, facilitating programmatic excellence, and nurturing a vibrant Jewish presence on the UVA campus.