Board Members, New Leaders and Award Recipients Announced During Jewish Federation's Annual Meeting

During Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County recent annual meeting, nearly 400 guests came together via Zoom to hear about the state of the Jewish community as well as congratulate several new Board members, new appointments and to honor distinguished award recipients.

The following individuals have been appointed and added to Federation’s Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 term: Nancy Beren, Barry Berg, Roslyn Leopold, Betsy Sheer, Scott Holtz and Amy Terwilleger. Additional key appointments at Federation include: Susan Shulman Pertnoy, to Board Chair Elect, who will then serve as Board Chair in 2022; Lynn Peseckis and Charles Gottesman to Vice Chair; Lynn Kaston as Human Resources Chair; and Amy Terwilleger as Business & Professions Chair. Hope Silverman is beginning the second year of her term as Federation’s Board Chair.

The following awards were also presented:

Community leaders Pamela Comiter and Brett Sandala received the Robert S. & Ceil N. Levy Young Leadership Award for their dedication to the Jewish community. The award is given annually to two exceptional community members under the age of 45 who have demonstrated continued service to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, as well as growth and potential for future leadership. Comiter serves as Chair of the Emerging Leadership Program (ELP), the first female chair in ELP’s 11-year history, and Sandala, who serves as Chair of Federation’s Israel Program Center and has been an instrumental force in the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) since 2009. As part of this honor, both recipients receive a stipend for travel to Israel.

Frank Mandrell, Federation’s Director of IT, received the prestigious Debbi Roshfeld Professional Leadership Award. He leads the nonprofit’s expansive technological networks, data and cybersecurity and his work creating a seamless transition while working remotely the past year has been vital to the productivity and results Federation has achieved. The annual award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a Federation professional who exemplifies Roshfeld’s legacy of professional leadership, excellence and commitment to enhancing Jewish community.

Virtual guests to the annual meeting also heard a community update, highlights from the past year and reports from both the Board Chair, Hope Silverman, and CEO Michael Hoffman.

Silverman shared, “I always believed our community to be a strong one. But this past year has proven beyond a doubt that we are not only fiercely strong, but we are also fiercely resilient. Federation’s focus on making connections during this challenging time reflects the collective responsibility we have to make our entire community whole, to care for the vulnerable so that no one is left behind and to prevent withdrawal from Jewish life.”

During 2020-2021, the community surpassed its fundraising goal to meet the growing needs locally, around the country and around the globe and a record number of nearly 10,000 guests attended more than 100 high-quality virtual events and programs, reiterating the local desire to connect to Jewish life and community. Through community support, Federation provided thousands of dollars in emergency assistance, ensured humanitarian aid for global communities in need, expanded emotional health support, and provided much-needed meals and assistance through Jewish Volunteer Center and partners.

“Federation does all the work you’re hearing about tonight, on behalf of all of us, so that we can meet today’s challenges, even the unexpected ones, while still planning for the future,” Silverman said. “This year has been like none other we’ve ever had and I am extremely proud of how our community has come together in ways we could never have imagined. This is truly the meaning of resilience.”

Michael Hoffman, president and CEO, also said, “It is your resilience that has enabled us to care for so many in need. It is your resilience that is helping our community emerge stronger than ever. And it is your continued resilience, strength and commitment to one another that is exactly what our family in Israel needs right now. We are already working on next year’s plans, continuing to innovate and create meaningful events and experiences. Together we have overcome so much, and our community is stronger than ever.”

For more information about Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, including how you can support as well as available services, programs and volunteer opportunities, visit jewishpb.org.

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Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County works to transform, inspire and save lives in the Palm Beaches, Israel and 70 countries around the world.