Susan F. Dickman, Executive Vice President & CEO
For the past 20 years, Sue has served as the Executive Vice President & CEO of Jewish Communal Fund (JCF), one of the largest and most established donor advised funds in the country. During her tenure, Jewish Communal Fund has grown to manage $1.7 billion in assets for 3,800 funds from managing $560 million in assets for 1,500 funds. Sue’s vision led to the creation of “Lifecycle Funds,” which serve as valuable tools for inculcating the value of philanthropy among younger donors, and provide opportunities to mark significant life experiences through giving. She also introduced JCF’s enhanced online giving portal, enabling fund holders to make grant recommendations with greater efficiency and ease. Prior to coming to Jewish Communal Fund, Sue served as the Founding Director of the Edgar Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University. Sue’s early career began in Jewish education. She received a doctor of education degree (Ed.D) from Columbia University’s Teachers College and served as principal of the Solomon Schechter Day School in Bergen County. She previously served on the board of the Jewish Funders Network, an international organization dedicated to advancing the quality and growth of Jewish philanthropy, and the advisory board of The George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising.
Beth Wohlgelernter, CAE, SPHR, Senior Vice President & COO
Beth Wohlgelernter is the Senior Vice President of the Jewish Communal Fund, responsible for finance, human resources and business operations. Prior to joining JCF in February 2012, Beth spent nearly a decade as the Chief Operating Officer of the American Heart Association, Founders Affiliate, overseeing finance, HR and business operations for the 8 states of the Northeast. Beth has also served for 7 years as the National Executive Director of Hadassah, and was the Executive Administrator and first employee of The Donna Karan Company. A lifelong New Yorker, Beth received her B.A. from Barnard College, and serves on the Board of Trustees and is a former officer of Lincoln Square Synagogue. Beth is certified as a CAE (Certified Association Executive), and as an SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources).
Saul H. Wadowski, EMSF, Vice President/Controller
Saul Wadowski brings to JCF years of executive experience in finance, accounting and internal controls; implementing operational procedures and transitions; and developing strong client relations. Since 1996, Saul has provided JCF’s donors with expertise in the transfer, gifting, and acceptance of marketable and non-marketable charitable assets. He has been instrumental in expanding JCF’s structure and its operations. Before joining JCF, Saul worked for several years as the Director of Concert Hall Operations and Manager of Accounting & Finance at the 92nd Street Y. He previously served as a Senior Auditor at Perelson, Johnson & Rones, P.C. and as an auditor at Ernst & Young. Saul holds an Executive Masters of Science in Finance from the Zicklin Graduate School of Business at Baruch College and a BS in Accounting and BA in Economics & Business Administration from CUNY’s Brooklyn College.
Ellen Smith Israelson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services & CMO
Ellen Israelson is the Vice President of Philanthropic Services & CMO for Jewish Communal Fund. In this capacity she oversees the development of the integrated marketing plan, communications, collateral and advertising. In addition, she develops and oversees implementation of client services and technology, educational resources and stewardship programs, including JCF’s private client services, philanthropic resources for multi-generational families and legacy and succession planning. Ellen launched JCF’s Center for Next Generation Philanthropy, an initiative that provides tools, including JCF’s acclaimed Teen Philanthropy Guidebook, and programs to help Jewish teens and young professionals increase their engagement in charitable giving. She is JCF’s liaison to advisors, organizes CLE seminars with JCF’s partners and edits the JCF Advisor Blog.
Ellen serves on the board of the NY Philanthropy Advisors, and is a member of the Planned Giving Group of NY. Prior to joining JCF, Ellen served as the Executive Director of the Long Island Chapter of American Jewish Committee, and as the Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving at Hofstra University. She received her MA in Art History and Museum Administration, and a Certificate in Foundations and Grant Making from New York University.
Melanie Marchfeld, Vice President, Grants Administration
Hilda Beck, Director of IT and Financial Services
Delise Brathwaite, Donor Relations Associate
Karla Floris, Assistant Director, Grants Research
Wanda Gutierrez, Contributions Coordinator/Office Manager
Allison Knapp, Grants Processing Associate
Michelle Lebowits, Senior Director, Business Development and Client Services
Igor Musayev, Associate Director, Financial and Investment Services
Claudia Pinto, Assistant Director, Grants Processing
Rachel Redlich, Accounting Manager
Hannah Rosen, Grants Processing Associate
Tamar Snyder, Director, Brand Marketing & Communications
