Administrative Associate

Email Alex

Alex joins the team after three years of literary magazine management, sorority management, and assisting in a psychology lab. During her schooling in management and psychology, Alex was involved with several on and off-campus organizations and focused particularly on the impacts of culture in the workplace and effective employee and community engagement. An Encinitas local, Alex hopes to share what she has learned as she engages with the Hive community and beyond.

As Administrative Associate, Alex oversees Hive operations, assists with events, and assists Hive members with day-to-day activities. Alex also supports Leichtag Foundation communications and administration.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community?
I grew up playing sports, and beach volleyball was one that I became truly passionate about. Playing beach volleyball gives me the opportunity to connect with others and engage in team building outside of the office—as a team, we grow our own skills while helping each other to do the same. As a volleyball coach, I had the opportunity to mentor young players and teach them sportsmanship while growing their skills. I have met so many friendly faces while playing my favorite sport and hope to continue sharing these experiences with others!

President and CEO

Email Charlene

Charlene is the Foundation’s President and CEO. She has played a key leadership role in the development and implementation of Leichtag Foundation’s strategic framework; oversees grantmaking; has designed innovative and creative programs such as funder partnerships and consortia, the Jerusalem Model, the International Office for Jerusalem Partnerships, the Hive at Leichtag Commons, and others; and provides overall management and strategy development.

Charlene won the 2013 JJ Greenberg Memorial Award, an international prize given to one outstanding philanthropic professional under the age of 40 each year.

Charlene is a frequent speaker, presenter and writer about topics pertaining to philanthropy, Jewish community trends and social change. She has served on the board of the Jewish Funders Network, the board of Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties, and many committees and councils. Charlene spent 18 years working for the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego in increasingly responsible positions including serving as President and CEO of the organization.

Hive Hospitality Associate

La Tonya holds over 40 years of experience in business leadership and hospitality. In her role at the Foundation, she will focus on curating warm visitor experiences and guiding connectivity among Leichtag Commons. La Tonya has a deep understanding of customer experiences and wields this knowledge to build a better, more inclusive and committed environment.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community?

We’re all humans, who have many of the same hurts, disappointments, and struggles. We may be clothed in visible differences, beliefs and dreams but one thing is true, we all need each other. I live by the saying “Teamwork makes the dreamwork”.

Events, Grants and Systems Manager

Email Michelle

Michelle brings nearly a decade of experience to her role as Events, Grants and Systems Manager. She currently oversees all meetings and events held at Leichtag Commons and supports the Foundation’s strategic focus by managing our CRM and form systems, such as Salesforce.  

Michelle received her degree in Organizational Communication and kickstarted her career working for for-profit events and banquets in 2014. She realized that her values were more aligned with impact-driven organizations and moved to San Diego from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2016 to seek work with meaning. After attending an event at Leichtag Commons, she knew she had found her place. Michelle finds meaning in her work by helping make Leichtag Commons an accessible resource and venue for the community.  

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community?   

My innate passion is the development of community itself, achieved by intention and deliberate action to build community and form new connections among others. I’m also a sucker for a good funk band, a weekend mountain town getaway, and a thriving vegetable garden. 

Facilities Operations Manager

As the Foundation’s Facilities Operations Manager, Jason is responsible for the development, enhancement, and maintenance of landscapes and facilities. Jason ensures workplace safety and productivity by overseeing all aspects of property and facility functionality, working directly with the Leichtag Security Director to provide infrastructure and facility support for the Security Team. A keen horticulturist, Jason joins the Foundation with advanced experience from numerous San Diego-based organizations such as MiraCosta College, the San Diego Zoo, and most recently the San Diego Botanic Gardens.

He is also an Honorary Docent at the Botanic Garden and annually instructs the Docent Training Program. He also previously served as the Second Vice President at the San Diego Horticultural Society. His familiarity with the Foundation helps him affirm the synergy we have with the community and he is excited to support work that benefits it.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact?
My favorite memory is the donation of land to the San Diego Botanic Garden in 2014. The only useable adjacent land available to the botanic garden was a markedly important and generous gift. The land is now well developed and enjoyed by many as a Children’s Garden and Educational Conservatory.

Shay is responsible for operating the Jerusalem Model programs, alongside creating content and managing the media for the various Jerusalem Model programs.

Shay was born in New York and made aliyah with her family in 2005. Shay held various positions in the IDF in the foreign relations field. During her service, she founded a community for soldiers interested in strengthening peripheral areas in Israel, and assisted in establishing additional communities in the Gaza envelope and in the Galilee. Shay lived in kibbutz Kerem Shalom and Tel Aviv, and now Shay is proud to call Jerusalem her home.

Director of Communications and Strategy

Email Jessica or Connect with her on LinkedIn

Jessica Kort 

Jessica Kort has 15 years of experience in philanthropy, organizational strategy and management, nonprofit governance, and Jewish communal professional work. She currently serves as Director of Communications and Strategy for Impact Cubed and Leichtag Foundation where she oversees communications for the Foundation and its initiatives, develops giving opportunities for community members, streamlines the vision and purposes for Leichtag Commons, and designs ways for the Foundation to increase its impact and leverage across funding areas. 

Jessica most recently served as Managing Director of Foothold Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting collaborative efforts and developing nonprofit professionals in San Diego’s social sector. Prior to that, she served as Communications Officer at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego and Program Coordinator at Temple Emanu-El of San Diego. 

Jessica is a former steering committee member of the San Diego Chapter of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy advisory board member of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Diego and was a 2012 San Diego Leadership Alliance Institute Fellow. Jessica received a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from UC San Diego, a Master of Arts in International Conflict Studies from King’s College London, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego. 

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s work? 

We partnered with local colleges’ on-campus food pantries on crowdfunding campaigns to spread awareness of the high numbers of college students who lack consistent access to fresh, healthy food. Hundreds of generous community members pitch in to support the pantries and student communities. The campus teams welcomed us to tour the incredible pantries so we could see firsthand the importance of having an easily accessible, varying selection of healthy, appealing, free food for college students so they could focus on school instead of hunger. 

Lead Maintenance Technician

Lorenzo Meza has specialized in managing gardens and working with plants for over 20 years. He worked at Leichtag Commons when it was still the historic Ecke Ranch and has enjoyed continuing his work on the property.  

Prior to joining the working at the Commons, Lorenzo managed and maintained a nursery as well as worked at different greenhouses in the region. He finds meaning in his work by supporting the stunning property so that all visitors can enjoy the nature it holds. 

What is your favorite memory about the Foundation’s impact? 

I really enjoyed being able to plant vegetables with Coastal Roots Farm when it first began, and see how it’s grown since then. 

Program Officer

Email Mitchell

Security Manager

Dan Walsh is the Foundation’s Security Director, managing the team keeping our Commons community safe. With over 35 years of security and law enforcement experience, his role Is to develop and maintain progressive, adaptable security and safety programs while leading the day-to-day operations of the security team. With his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Dan began working with the Foundation as a Security Consultant, which evolved into his full-time position.

Dan finds meaning in this work by leading the Security department in providing essential support to Leichtag staff and tenants day and night, and exercising the Foundation’s mission by creating and maintaining a secure and safe work environment. We honor his amazing work in maintaining security operations during the pandemic and for his role in ensuring exceptional safety during large-scale events on the Commons.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community? 

Sharing ways to keep children safe is a passion. Over the years I have connected to the community by offering numerous free security and safety educational seminars as well as self-defense training classes to adolescents.

Roee Azizi is the Jerusalem Model Community Manager, JPI’s initiative which works to empower and strengthen Jerusalem’s civil society. The Jerusalem Model galvanizes activists by facilitating partnerships, and creating a network and shared narrative among the city’s diverse groups and social innovators. The Model also identifies and cultivates leadership, and encourages professional excellence, all in order to have a greater and more sustainable impact on Jerusalem.

Previously, Roee was a founder of the Jerusalem municipality’s JLM Spark innovation and entrepreneurship center, where he was in charge of the area of strategic partnerships, producing a variety of diverse projects that crossed sectors in the city and connected many Jerusalemites to the worlds of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. These include projects aiming to promote young women in high-tech; an ecosystem to connect youth organizations to the municipality, and business workshops for Jerusalem artists. Roee is the creator of “Rovalach”, a podcast hosting Jerusalemites who shed light on different local matters.

When asked about his connection to Jerusalem, his answer is very clear: “Although I grew up in Hod Hasharon, when I moved to Jerusalem I immediately felt like a born-and-bred Jerusalemite. The connection between tradition, simplicity, and diversity that characterized the home and environment I grew up in, contributed to making me a ‘future Jerusalemite.’”

Roee holds a BA in political science and international relations from the Hebrew University and is a graduate of the Beit Prat program and the Jewish Statesmanship Center.

Logistics and Operations

Ye’ela joins the JPI team as program support from a logistics standpoint, as well manages the Re:Street offices in Jerusalem. Re:Street is a coworking space, which also houses the JPI teams, and serves as a professional event center. Her role also enables Ye’ela to organize and liaise events that take place at Re:Street.

Prior to joining JPI, Ye’ela participated in a pre-army academy that focused on social engagement in Israeli society, which gave her expertise in organizing events and community celebrations. With her passion for activism, she believes her role in JPI will help her learn about civil society in Jerusalem and how to be more impactful. She also currently participates in a local Jerusalem-based cohort that will deepen her knowledge about the city from aspects of history, culture, and traditions. Ye’ela finds meaning in her work through the exciting programs that JPI creates and curates, knowing that it empowers participants.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact? 

My favorite story was when we took the members of the “Jerusalema” program – a program for local public leadership in Jerusalem – to a seminar in Kibbutz Ein Gadi. In one of their activities, we paired them up with intersectoral couples and gave them a picnic basket and some guiding questions to ask each other. When the time came to finish the activity and gather back into assembly, I noticed a lot of them would not assemble, they wanted to keep talking to each other. It was beautiful to see how engaged they were with each other’s stories; I was touched to witness their understanding that they have more in common with each other than they thought

Yasmin Israeli, JPI’s Chief Operations Officer, is responsible for leading and professionally mentoring JPI’s team, managing, and control of the core organizational areas, human resources, information systems, and financial management. Yasmin is a partner to JPI’s CEO in planning the organizational vision and strategy, and the actualization of the organizational vision and its implementation in the organization’s day-to-day.

Before joining the Jerusalem Model, Yasmin served 6 years as an Operations and Administration Manager at BrightSource Energy, Solar Power Plants. In the past, she also served as content coordinator and supervisor of delegations in the Birthright project.

Born and bred in Jerusalem, Yasmin has a BA in international relations, communications and journalism from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and lives in Jerusalem with her husband Guy, and two daughters, Yael and Ayelet.

Director of Value Creation

Inbal leads efforts to develop and expand resources and networks for JPI and the initiatives JPI supports. This includes members of the Jerusalem Model, which convenes civil society leaders, and Jerusalema, which educates those interested in public sector work.

Inbal joined JPI after spending the last four years as the Jerusalem Ecosystem Manager at Start-Up Nation Central, where she managed the organization’s efforts to advance Jerusalem’s tech and innovation scene. Prior to that she was the Director of Operations & Marketing at StellarNova, a start-up that creates gender balanced STEM products; the producer of the ROI and Schusterman initiatives in Israel, including the ROI Summit; and the Community and Resource Development Manager at New-Spirit, one of Leichtag’s first grantees in the city.

Inbal has been an active member of the Jerusalem Model since its inception, as well as a Schusterman ROI Community member. She is a seasoned entrepreneur and has assumed leadership roles in several social initiatives including Open Holidays festival in Jerusalem, Project Resisim, and TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Inbal is a certified Dale Carnegie Life Coach, as well as a trainer in the fields of storytelling and public speaking. She holds a BA in Psychology and Social Justice as well as an MA in Organizational Consulting.

Landscape Technician & Maintenance Crew Member

Andres Guerrero-Razo is a landscaping professional with over 40 years of experience aiding in the beautification of homes and properties. He maintains the landscaping through the entire Leichtag Commons property and supports the day-to-day operations of the grounds.  

Prior to joining the Foundation, Andres had the honor of working multiple decades with one employer, which helped him move to the top of the company and learn a variety of tangible skills. He finds meaning in his work through the team he gets to collaborate with every day. 

What is a way that you connect to community? 

I get the pleasure of building beautiful spaces for people to enjoy, and I get to interact with them when they visit. 

Maintenance Crew Member

Rudy Macias has been doing maintenance, landscaping, and gardening for over 40 years. He joined the Foundation in 2017 and performs general maintenance repairs, carpentry, painting, plumbing all around Leichtag Commons. Prior to joining the Foundation, Rudy was a property manager in Rancho Mirage and performed similar duties.  

Rudy finds meaning in his work by contributing to an efficient team that safely maintains the Commons.  

What is a way you connect to community? 

There is always something to learn from everyone who comes to Leichtag Commons and I enjoy being able to hear all of their experiences. 

Security Officer

Email Mark

Mark is the Leichtag Foundation’s Security Officer assigned to assist the Security Manager in developing and executing the security and safety programs. Prior to joining Leichtag Foundation, Mark worked as a contract Security Officer assigned to our site.

Mark has widely varying interests and experiences that include six years active duty military service (U.S. Navy, Engineering), six years of operating a small home-based business specializing in the selective breeding of exotic reptiles, tutoring mathematics and AP physics, maintaining a personal study of many different subjects, and meadmaking. Mark is currently collaborating with a local meadery to bottle one of his meads under their label.

Mark holds a B.A. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics from SDSU, with distinction for academic performance

Facilities Management Apprentice

Farzad pursued his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering in India and is interested in Performance-Based Design of Buildings and Earthquake Engineering.

He joined the Foundation in 2022 and assists in oversight of structures, liaises with tenants on maintenance, and coordinates handover from business development for new tenants. He finds meaning in his work through working at any time, day, and situation to help contribute to the effectiveness of the project for a better community.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact?

I feel the Foundation’s team is a strong family; all connected with one vision – A Better Tomorrow. I am proud of saying that I am given the honor of being part of this family, and I am committed to learn, serve, and contribute to its vision.

Hive Culinary Manager

Tiffani Tincher has over 20 years of experience as a chef, with her specialty as a pastry chef. She is currently The Hive’s Culinary Manager and is responsible for managing in-house meal production, crafting delicious menus for events, execution of kosher meals, and caring for the Farmhouse kitchen. After graduating from the Florida Culinary Institute, Tiffani moved to California and put herself at the forefront of burgeoning “farm-to-table” movement in Southern California. She was introduced to the Foundation by supporting private farm-to-table dinners with a long-contracted Hive chef and took on the role of Culinary Manager in early 2020.  

Tiffani has been published in several magazines, newspapers, and blog, and was recently appointed as the Executive Chef for the yearly “Save the Laguna Community Garden Dinner.” Learning about Jewish culture and enrichment provides deep meaning to her work, as well being a part of a nonprofit community and being able to bring stunning farm-to-table meals to guests at The Hive.  

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community?  

I feel like the kitchen is the heart of the home, I have the opportunity to touch the lives many different people from all walks. Helping me to diversify my life and be part of my current community. 

Program Associate

Hanz Enyeart arrived at the Foundation with over a decade of experience in retail management, live theatre, and Jewish education. As a Program Associate, he supports the production, organization, and logistics of events and programs. He was driven to the Foundation by his passion for Jewish cultural connection and community philanthropy. The most meaningful part of his work at the Foundation is getting the opportunity to impact others positively, whether through philanthropy or experience.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community?

My favorite way to connect to community is through instilling pride in others who may have felt shame for their identity. My main way of achieving this is through cultural education and empowerment on social media.

Program Specialist

Email Paige or connect with her on LinkedIn

Paige Milgrom-Hills arrived at the Foundation with over eight years of experience in event curation, community building, and small group facilitation. As the Hive Program Manager, she coordinates Hive programs, including professional development and Jewish arts and culture, as well as curates intentional spaces for creativity and collaboration to thrive. Additionally, she leads The Hive’s graphic design strategy.

Paige obtained her Masters of Arts in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, which supports her work at The Hive in community building, justice and equity advocacy, and group facilitation. Paige feels that the Foundation’s mission aligns with her personal values and finds meaning in the work through the stories of our team and Hive members. She believes that her role helps her be a part of the innovative endeavors of the people around her.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community? 

I believe that a welcoming space, large table, and warm food are essential pieces in community building – my love for gathering and cooking are celebrated every time I have a dinner table full of new faces. Creating space for intimate conversations and community building, whilst breaking bread, is my ideal evening. I have gleaned so much from those around my table and love opportunities to continue looking inward and turning outward while we gather.

Accounting Assistant

Email Betina

As the Accounting Assistant, Betina Oliver manages and processes accounts payable, and assists in the development of accounting policies and procedures. She holds eight years of accounting experience and over 20 years of banking experience, part of which began through family businesses her father managed, which has prepared her for her position. 

Betina finds meaning in her work through working alongside amazing individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of many. She particularly appreciates hearing the impact of our grantees, whose grants she helps process. 

Director of  Jerusalem Model Community

Along with her role as the Director of the Jerusalem Model Community, Yami is a community manager, group facilitator, educator and enthusiastic activist in Jerusalem.

She has a master’s degree in the sociology of organizations, with a specialization in gender studies, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology, both from the Hebrew University.

Before joining JPI, Yami managed communities of outstanding academics at the Azrieli Foundation Fellows Program, and at the Polonsky Academy of the Van Leer Institute. Prior to that she worked as a facilitator of study groups in the areas of Judaism and gender in various Beit Midrash programs, and also mentored individual and group development processes at Beit Prat Academy and ‘Haemek’ pre-military academy.

Beyond her professional expertise, Yami has a great deal of experience in social activity in the areas of preventing sexual violence, promoting interfaith tolerance, and assisting underserved populations. Today too, she continues to give of her time to promote gender and civic equality in Jerusalem.

Since her days as a tour guide in the city, Yami has found herself moved and excited by Jerusalem’s unique nature and complexity, and the fascinating diversity of its residents. She believes that the power of the city lies in it being at the forefront of civic innovation and serving as a rich and prolific platform for initiatives aimed at social change.

Executive Assistant and Administration

As the Executive Assistant, Lia manages the day-to-day itinerary for JPI’s Executive Director Chaya Gilboa, and works with the Leichtag philanthropy team to manage grant applications for the organization. She comes to JPI directly after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, believing it’d a great entrance into understanding the Israeli NGO (Non-governmental organization) and philanthropy fields.

Lia finds meaning in her work through collaborating with an efficient administrative team and being a part of a support system that enables JPI to run smoothly. She placed first in a national contest for social science research projects on the subject of gender.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact? 

As part of our work in JPI, we run the “Jerusalema program”, a program for local public leadership in JLM targeting young prominent activists in the city that are interested to segue into the local public sector. One of the gatherings discussed Jerusalem and philanthropy and showcased a “philanthropy panel.” Alongside my work with JPI and Leichtag, I also work as an administrator in the Israeli office of the San Fransisco Jewish Federation and Endowment Fund. One of the panelists was the director of the Israeli SF federation office and another panelist was Leichtag’s Executive Vice President Charlene Seidle. I remember seeing both on stage and realizing that they both want to do so much for Jerusalem, Israel, and all they really want to do is bring good to the universe. This realization gave me “Nachas” (Yiddish for gratification) and made me feel happy to be part of something that generates so much good.

Chief Talent Officer

Email Jenny

Jenny Camhi has been working in the field of Jewish communal work for the past 10 years. She began her work in the Jewish communal landscape as the North County Outreach Social Worker for Jewish Family Service of San Diego where she gained expertise in radically inclusive community building. Through her clinical work with Jewish Family Service, Jenny became a founding member of The Hive at Leichtag Commons, a center for collaboration, connection, and creativity.  As the Foundation’s Chief Talent Officer, Jenny oversees The Hive and is responsible for creating innovative new partnerships, leverage resources to increase program impact, and nurture and grow talent in the Jewish communal professional pipeline.  

Notably, Jenny is an alumna of the Leadership North County 2019 class, Schusterman Family Philanthropies’ ROI cohort, and is currently in the Jewish Women International Jewish Communal Leadership Project. 

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to community? 

As a resident of Encinitas, I feel particularly invested in building a vibrant and lasting Jewish communal space in which my own family can be firmly rooted. There is nothing quite as special as welcoming Shabbat, watching the sunset, surrounded by family, friends and new faces experiencing the magic that Leichtag Commons has to offer.   

Vice President of Philanthropy

Email Sharyn or connect with her on LinkedIn

Sharyn Goodson has over 25 years of experience in philanthropy, program design and delivery, organizational development, and nonprofit fundraising. She is passionate about strengthening the ability of philanthropists and mission-driven organizations to achieve results in addressing society’s challenges and opportunities. Sharyn currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy for both Impact Cubed and Leichtag Foundation where she manages grantmaking, leads funder partnerships, and trains and counsels nonprofits on revenue generation, board and organizational development, as well as program design and evaluation. Sharyn holds the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential and currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Alliance for Regional Solutions.

In April 2010, Sharyn joined the Leichtag Foundation as its first Program Officer. Beginning in 2012, she also began managing the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego’s philanthropy programs and served as the lead contact for major family funds and foundations as well as the Jewish Women’s Foundation. Her most recent role at the Jewish Community Foundation was as its Vice President of Philanthropy.

Sharyn was Director of Grants of Jewish Family Service of San Diego from 2008 to 2010 and with the Aspen Community Foundation in Aspen, CO, from 2005 to 2008, first as Program Officer and then Program Director. From 1994 – 2005, she worked for Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Pittsburgh, PA as a Career Counselor/Program Director.

Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath named Sharyn a 2021 Woman of Impact, Civic Engagement for the 76^th Assembly District. Also in 2021, Sharyn’s peers nominated her for the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego’s Outstanding Development Professional Award. In 2003, the Pittsburgh Jewish Federation honored Sharyn with the Ira and Nanette Gordon Professional Achievement Award.

Sharyn earned a BA in English from Mills College with Honors and an MA in Career Development from John F. Kennedy University, receiving the Edmund P. Learned Award for High Academic Scholarship.

She also served on the boards of San Diego Grantmakers and Association of Fundraising Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter.

What’s your favorite story of Foundation impact: Our work responding to urgent community needs during COVID-19, particularly through funding partnerships, stands out as some of its most impactful. Through the North County COVID-19 Response Fund, which included the Coastal Community Foundation, Leichtag Foundation, and Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, over $2 million was directly granted and leveraged to help vulnerable North County residents meet their basic needs. The San Diego Jewish Community COVID-19 Emergency Fund, a partnership of the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation and Leichtag Foundation, provided nearly $3 million to help community members in crisis, provide for safe work and community spaces, and support virtual and outdoor programming.

Accountant

Email Janine

Janine Hewett brings over 30 years of experience to the Foundation as our Accounting Manager. With her Master’s degree in Accounting and Managerial Finance, she oversees the daily activities of our accounting processes and functions to ensure accurate reporting.

Janine knows that financial reporting is essential for nonprofits and foundations so she finds meaning in providing timely reports, which provide decision-makers with the information they need to understand an organization’s financial state. Her support helps the Foundation continue to develop strategies toward mission and goals.

What is a passion of yours or a way you connect to the community? 

I enjoy socializing and bringing people together. I am extremely passionate about meeting new people, socializing, and dancing.

Vice President, Finance and Operations

Email Leilani or Connect with her on LinkedIn

Leilani Rasmussen wields over 20 years of experience of accounting and financial experience. As the Foundation’s Vice President of Finance and Operations, she is responsible for fiscal oversight of our finance and operations, administrative management, human resources, and information systems. Prior to working at the Foundation, Leilani spent nine years at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, a place-based community-building operational foundation. She left her tenure there as Chief Financial Officer.

As a longtime San Diego citizen, Leilani finds meaning in having the opportunity to be part of a cohesive community culture that works with other organizations regularly and adapts to societal change both locally and globally.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact?

My favorite moments are in reflection remembering what the Leichtag Commons was like in 2015 and all that has grown since then. Starting with two farmers tending the land and now an entire independent organization, Coastal Roots Farm. A coworking space concept with no more than ten non-profits and now over 30 businesses hustling and bustling at The Hive at Leichtag Commons. A 67.5-acre location of continuous vision to better a community.

Director of Policy and Government

Anchinalo “Anchi” Salomon is the Jerusalem Philanthropic Initiative’s Director of Policy and Government where she will develop new and exciting activities and direct the organization’s Policy Program for Young Leadership in Jerusalem geared toward diverse sectors and neighborhoods in the city. She was born in Ethiopia and made aliya at the age of 4. She graduated high school from an Ulpana (girls-only) high school and spent her national service working with youth at risk. Anchinalo studied educational consulting and completed her BA from Bar Ilan University, and her MA from Hebrew University with a teaching certificate in Jewish Heritage Studies. During her BA,  she worked at the Jewish Agency as a coordinator for immigrant students from various countries at Bar Ilan University and established a leadership program aiming to support Ethiopian students in becoming leaders and influencers in Israeli society. Anchinalo worked in the Office of the President with the late Shimon Peres’ advisor in the department of Israeli Society and also worked on President Reuven Rivlin’s initiative for education, promoting coexistence between the four tribes in Israeli society.

She recently worked in the Prime Minister’s Office in the Government and Society Division in the field of inter-sectoral cooperation between the government, the third sector, and business in order to promote solutions to social challenges in Israel. She directed an initiative to alleviate the regulatory burdens on nonprofits, promoting dialogue with nonprofits from the Arab sector and establishing a forum and training for nonprofits in cooperation with the government.

Prior to joining JPI, Anchinalo managed the field of professional development and careers, at the Shalem Academic Center where she established an internship program at the UN for Shalem students and graduates.

Administration Manager

Email Laura or connect with her on LinkedIn

With over five years of accounting and organization experience, Laura Diede supports the Foundation as its Administration Manager. She assists in all aspects of banking, payables, processes for administrative procedures. She also manages onsite maintenance and capital projects. Laura has spent decades in managerial positions and particularly loves working in the nonprofit sector.

Laura has an artistic flair, which lends itself to creativity in her role, and is very involved in the local community. She previously served as a board member for Veterans Helping Veterans Now, Village Park Recreation Club, and Encinitas Friends of the Arts. She finds meaning in her work by ensuring that all aspects of our system are well-oiled so that we can advance the legacy of the Leichtags together.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact? 

When I first started working at Leichtag Foundation, I was very involved with Coastal Roots Farm and was the “Farm Mom,” which was a title I adore. I love the way the Farm has evolved over the years, and it is just one of so many projects that the Foundation has created. It amazes me every day how involved we are with the community and I’m so proud to know that I am a part of a group of amazing people who are truly trying to change the world.

Director of Administration

Email Eileen

As the Director of Administration, Eileen Linden oversees all the administrative support services and operational matters at the Foundation, including accounting, human resources, and governance. She has over 30 years of experience in front-of-house hospitality and knowledge of payables. She has been with the Foundation since 2014.

Eileen finds meaning in her work through all the guests and visitors she gets to meet when it’s their first visit to Leichtag Commons. She appreciates the impact the Foundation has helped support through our grantmaking.

What is a favorite story or memory about the Foundation’s impact? 

My favorite memory is seeing how each year the Sukkot Festival increases its reach across the community and sharing the experience with all the families that come to the event. I find such joy in seeing the children’s excitement and enthusiasm.

Director of the MGSDII

Email Susan

Susan is the Founding Director of the Initiative, following a year as Executive Director at the U.S.-Israel Center at University of California, San Diego. She brings to her role a strong background in non-profit leadership and a knowledge and love of Israel. As Director, she coordinates and produces the center’s deep multi-faceted education about Israel, manages its diverse offerings of public events, and works in a myriad of ways to bring modern Israel to campuses across San Diego County. Her professional career includes 20 years of extensive experience in development with positions at the United Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service, as well as in advocacy and the private sector.

Susan is a native of New York and graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Journalism, spending a year at Tel Aviv University. She maintains close ties to Israel through friends and family around the country, and through her professional work.

President and CEO

Email Jim

Jim is the Foundation’s President and CEO, a position he has held since 2007 when the Foundation became independent. Prior to that appointment, Jim served as General Counsel of the Foundation from 1995 – 2007 when he was practicing as an attorney.

Jim’s professional background and diverse community leadership experience catalyzed the Foundation’s purchase of Leichtag Commons. He is a mentor and takes particular pride in being a champion of young leaders. He is a frequent presenter about the power of place in community engagement and in developing new models of social change.

A longtime San Diegan whose community activism dates back to his youth, Jim draws upon many years of volunteer leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. Currently, Jim serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Funders Network, an international organization dedicated to Jewish philanthropy and social enterprise. In past years, he served as President of the Board of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities and the Quail Botanical Garden Foundation doing business as San Diego Botanic Garden and as a member of The San Diego Foundation’s Board of Governors.

Jim is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a law degree from California Western School of Law and a Master’s in Taxation from New York University. He practiced law for 33 years. He and his wife live in Carlsbad, California. They have two married children and six grandchildren. Jim is a passionate horticulturalist, an avid reader, and a lover of music.

Bernard A. Reiter served the Leichtag Foundation from 2007, when he was asked by Lee and Toni Leichtag to take the Board position previously occupied by their late daughter, Joli Ann Leichtag, until 2020. Mr. Reiter had been a close personal friend of the Leichtag family since 1999 when he moved to Rancho Santa Fe, California from Houston, Texas.

In Houston, Mr. Reiter was an attorney and businessman for over 35 years. He initially was Patent Counsel for the Manned Spacecraft Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and thereafter a partner in the law firm of Hyer, Reiter, Matthews, and Eichenroght until 1993. The practice of the firm was primarily in intellectual property law and dealt with the acquisition of employer/employee inventions, improvements, innovations and the protection and sale and licensing of those rights to others. The firm also engaged in federal patent litigation and licensing throughout the country.

In 1995, Mr. Reiter acquired an ownership interest in the American Transcriber Corporation of Texas. Ultimately, he became the principal owner and Chairman of the Board. The company, which was engaged in medical transcription for hospitals, expanded to offices throughout Texas, Florida and New England. In 1999, Mr. Reiter sold the company and moved to California. After moving to North County San Diego, he became active in the community. He served on the Board of Directors for Seacrest Village Retirement Communities and later as Chairman of the Community Advisory Board for Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas.

Mr. Reiter graduated with a Bachelors degree in engineering from Ohio State and a Juris Doctorate in law from Georgetown University Law School in Washington D.C. Currently, he resides in Rancho Mirage, California. He has three daughters and three grandchildren.

Vice Chair

Emily is a businesswoman with involvement in numerous ventures. Since 1993, she has been Chairperson of the Board of Summit Properties which is one of the top ten owners and developers of industrial real estate in Portland, Oregon.

Emily is co-owner of Chella Textiles, a world leader in the design, development, and sales of luxury performance textiles for the hospitality industry and for residential use. The company has developed world-wide distribution through showrooms and representatives.

Since 1993, Emily has owned and managed the Silverado Apartments, a senior apartment complex in Solana Beach, California. She is also part owner of Turf Paradise, the 300 acre Phoenix horse racetrack which operates nine months per year. Emily also is an investor in Huya Biosciences where she served on the business advisory board. Huya identifies and licenses promising Chinese pharmaceuticals for commercialization in Western markets. She has invested in dozens of other private businesses and real estate related ventures.

In 1982, Emily graduated from Harvard College receiving her BA in Economics. She worked at MA/ACOM Linkabit, the predecessor company to Qualcomm. She received her CPA in 1987 having worked at KPMG Peat Marwick in both the auditing and private business consulting areas. From 1987 to 1990, Emily worked at Grubb and Ellis, a national real estate brokerage firm where she specialized in apartment and industrial investment properties.

Emily is extremely active and involved in the Jewish philanthropic community of San Diego. She is a Wexner Fellow graduate and is the past Chair of the Board of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. Since joining the board fifteen years ago, the Foundation has grown from $25 million in assets to over $260 million. She has served as chair of finance, human resources, and audit, and as a member of the strategic planning group, among other functions. She also was the founder of the Jewish Day School Scholarship fund helping all five of the Jewish Day Schools in San Diego. Emily is also on the Board of 2-1-1 San Diego and has previously served on the boards of Soille Hebrew Day School and Congregation Beth El.

Emily is married to Dan Einhorn, a physician specializing in Endocrinology. They have two children, Max, and Estee.

Vice Chair

Dr. Jeffrey R. Solomon is the President of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, a group of foundations operating in Canada, Israel and the United States. Among the foundations’ innovative launches are Birthright Israel and Reboot, two initiatives aimed at connecting young, assimilated Jews to their tradition, The Gift of New York, a powerful response to September 11, helping to heal families of victims through the power of culture, and Project Involvement, an educational reform program serving some 265,000 Israeli elementary school students.

He previously served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UJA-Federation of New York. Other past positions include executive positions at Altro Health & Rehabilitation Services, Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged and Jewish Family and Children’s Services in Miami. Dr. Solomon also served with the City, State and Federal Governments. An author of over 100 publications in both professional journals and outlets such as The Financial Times and Wall Street Journal, he served as an adjunct associate professor at New York University. He sits on numerous nonprofit and foundation boards including the FJC, a community foundation in New York, the Jim Joseph Foundation in San Francisco, and the Leichtag Foundation in San Diego, where he serves as Vice Chair. He also served on the Board of the Council on Foundations, where he chaired the Committee on Ethics and Practice and sat on its Executive Committee. He is a founding trustee of the World Faiths Development Dialogue and has received a number of honors from professional associations and universities.

His widely acclaimed book, The Art of Giving: Where the Soul Meets a Business Plan, co-authored with Charles Bronfman, was published by Wiley/Jossey-Bass in October, 2009. It has been awarded the Axiom Gold Medal in philanthropy and has been translated and published in South Korea. They completed a sequel, The Art of Doing Good: Where Passion Meets Action, also published by Wiley/Jossey-Bass (September, 2012), which explores the principles and practices of nonprofit social enterprise, extracting the lessons from the journeys of eighteen social entrepreneurs.

CFO and Treasurer

Robert F. Brunst, M.D., Ph.D., served on the Leichtag Foundation Board since its inception in 1991 until 2020.

Dr. Brunst practices adult medicine in Encinitas and is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital’s Encinitas and La Jolla facilities. He has been Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at the University of California San Diego’s School of Medicine since 1986 and is the Medical Director of InnerVision Wellness Imaging in Carlsbad, California. Dr. Brunst has authored a number of publications; most recently on the subject of anti-aging.

Dr. Brunst earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry and his M.D. at the University of Southern California. Over the years, Dr. Brunst was a physician at La Costa Resort and Spa from 1979 to 1992 and Chief of Staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas from 1992 to 1994. He also was Founder and Medical Director of Hospice of the North Coast in Carlsbad, California and Medical Director of Tri-City Hospice in Oceanside, California. In addition, he has served as Community Advisory Board Chairman of Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, and as a member of the Scripps Foundation Board.

Dr. Brunst’s professional and personal relationship with the Leichtag family dates back more than three decades, when Lee and Toni Leichtag engaged Dr. Brunst as their family physician. Throughout the years, he served them and members of their immediate family.

Robert Brunst was born in Amsterdam, Holland. He and his wife have one son. They reside in Olivenhain, California.

Director of Engineering

Dempsey is the Director of Engineering where he oversees the overall development, rebuilding and construction on the property of Leichtag Commons.

Prior to joining Leichtag Commons, Dempsey worked at the former Paul Ecke Ranch on the same location developing a plan to incorporate renewable energy.

Dempsey holds a B.S. in Geology and a Minor in Crystallography from Texas University. 

(1974-2018)

Director of Programs
(2012-2018)

We are so deeply saddened and heartbroken by the passing on March 5 of our beloved colleague, our Director of Programs, Naomi Friedman Rabkin, z”l. Naomi began her tenure with the Foundation in early 2012 shortly after moving to San Diego from Atlanta. She quickly transitioned to a staff role and served as our Director of Programs until her passing. Naomi’s impact spans every element of the Leichtag Foundation work, from Encinitas to Jerusalem and back again. She was the creative architect of our programs, played a critical role in grantmaking and philanthropic strategy, was integral to the design and development of Leichtag Commons and provided important counsel and direction as a senior leader of the Foundation. Naomi was an exemplary manager. She championed and supported her team, and her devotion to making a difference in the community inspired everyone around her to devote themselves as well.

We are processing this devastating news as a team as we try our best to live up to Naomi’s strong example, and we join her friends feeling her loss around the world. We will not let her down. We continue our work in her name and for her name. Our sincere condolences to Naomi’s husband Michael Rabkin, her daughters Jolene and Talia, her mother Marcia Friedman and her brother Daniel Friedman. They are all already part of the Leichtag community, and we hope to hold them closer and tighter in the days, months and years ahead. May Naomi’s memory be for a blessing and may we all be comforted in our tremendous grief among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

As the Foundation’s Director of Programs, Naomi developed new programs to stimulate Jewish life and community at the Leichtag Commons and in the region. She also helped to support Jewish North County residents, organized events at Leichtag Commons, oversaw the Hive and coordinated ongoing community engagement, research and conversation.

Prior to joining Leichtag Foundation, Naomi worked to build Jewish community through experiential education in a number of positions including at Spark: Partnership for Service, Jewish Funds for Justice and Project Otzma. Her other professional experiences included Teach for America, The Service Learning 2000 Center and The Wexner Heritage Foundation. She was the first Executive Director of Limmud Atlanta + Southeast and founded the Jewish Food Alliance, a volunteer run organization which organized people around community supported agriculture, workshops and an annual community wide Sukkot festival. Naomi also launched Pachie’s Place, a parenting program at Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

Naomi held a Master’s in Education from Stanford University where she focused her thesis on the intersections between Jewish Values of Social Action and Service Learning Education.

(1937-2013)

Vice Chairman
(2011-2013)

Murray L. Galinson was a manager of La Jolla M.J. Management, LLC. He was a member of The Galinson Group, an investment and real estate holding company.

He was the Former Chair of the Board of San Diego National Bank; former partner in The Price Group, a real estate investor group; formerly on the board of Price Legacy Reit, a public real estate investment company; formerly on the board of PriceSmart, a public retail and wholesale company with real estate holdings and stores in Central America and the Caribbean.

He was the chair of Jewish Funder’s Network and past chair of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. He also served on the boards of First Dental Health Company, Price Family Charities, The Galinson Family Foundation, The Weingart Foundation and San Diego Grantmakers. Mr. Galinson was a past chair of the board of trustees of California State University System. He also served on the board of trustees of California Western School of Law. He served as chair of The San Diego Advisory Board for Police Community Relations, The San Diego Citizens Review Board for Police Practices, UCSD Chancellors Associates, United Jewish Federation of San Diego, The San Diego Blue Ribbon Task Force on Violence, and The Museum of Photographic Arts of San Diego. He also served on numerous other boards and commissions.

Mr. Galinson formerly practiced law in Minnesota, was a federal prosecutor, a law professor and a banker. Since 1964, he served on numerous political campaign committees, both national as well as local. Mr. Galinson received a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota, a J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. degree from United States International University. He is survived by his wife Elaine, three adult children, and eight grandchildren.

(1927-2012)

Chair, Audit Committee
Board Member 1991-2012

Sheldon S. (Shep) Scharlin served on the Leichtag Foundation Board since its inception in 1991 until 2012.

Mr. Scharlin’s professional and personal relationship with the Leichtags dated back to 1970. He served Lee Leichtag as a financial advisor for many years. Mr. Scharlin was instrumental in facilitating the sale of MD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1991 as well as the establishment of the Leichtag Family Foundation later that year.

Mr. Scharlin earned his undergraduate degree from New York City College in 1951 followed by his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. He worked in the accounting profession for more than five decades. Early in his career, he worked for mid-sized accounting firms.

After moving to the San Diego area in 1970, Mr. Scharlin opened an accounting partnership that evolved into the Sheldon S. Scharlin C.P.A. sole proprietorship. He served companies and individuals in diverse fields, including businesses, partnerships and trusts. Throughout the years, he also was actively involved with and served on the boards of faith-based organizations.

Executive Director

Email Chaya

Chaya Gilboa is the Executive Director of Jerusalem Philanthropic Initiatives, a new Israeli NGO established by us and partner funders to strengthen civil society and enhance philanthropy in Jerusalem by leading strategy implementation, overseeing the Jerusalem Model, and working with Jerusalem based organizational leaders to develop their capacity. Most recently Chaya was the Director of Jewish Engagement, where she was responsible for Jewish integration and education across all entities at Leichtag Commons.

Chaya was born in Jerusalem to an ultra-Orthodox family. Her B.A. in Jewish Philosophy from Ben Gurion University (2008) was followed by a stint as a Hillel International Israel Fellow at Berkeley University and an M.A. in Public Policy from Hebrew University (2013), where she wrote her thesis on Haredi women, religion and state. In 2012, she was a scholar-in-residence at the Paideia Institute in Sweden, where she taught Talmud and established an educators’ track.

In 2014, Chaya became Founding Director of Hevruta, a pluralistic, integrated gap-year program for Israeli and North American post-high school students at the Hartman Institute. Chaya is committed to creating alternatives within the realm of religion and state, establishing Hashgacha Pratit, an alternative kashrut system and active in crafting egalitarian wedding ceremonies and other initiatives that combine feminism and Jewish identity. Chaya is the mother of Michael, Avshalom, and Imri, and partner to Dr. Marek Shtern

Community Director of the Jerusalem Model

Email Ariel

Ariel Markose is the Community Director of the Jerusalem Model, a network of highly engaged individual activists in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Model brings the activists from all sectors of the city into a broad network which leverages their creativity and diversity to define and pioneer a better future for Jerusalem, influencing decision makers from the bottom up.

Ariel previously served for 2 years as the Director of Resource Development and Communications for the New Spirit Organization. She is a graduate of the Rabin Program for ethical leadership in nonprofits as well as a graduate of the Argov Fellows Program of Leadership and Diplomacy. She is a certified lawyer and has an LLB in Law and a BA in Government from IDC Herzliya. She lives in Jerusalem’s Katamonim neighborhood with her husband and 3 children.

Angelica Berrie is President of The Russell Berrie Foundation, which has made transformational gifts to establish the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University in New York, the Russ Berrie Nanotechnology Institute at the Technion in Israel, and the Pope John Paul II Center for Inter-Religious Studies at St. Thomas Aquinas University of the Angelicum in Rome.

After the death of her husband, New Jersey sales entrepreneur, Russ Berrie, Angelica became Vice-Chair and CEO of Russ Berrie & Co., a global gift company known for its teddy bears and RUSS Trolls.

She is currently Board Chair of the Center for Inter-Religious Understanding; the Shalom Hartman Institute North America (a center for pluralistic Jewish learning in Jerusalem); Co-President of American Friends of Ofanim (a nonprofit organization in Israel whose mission is to deliver high-quality supplemental education to children in the periphery using mobile classrooms); a member and past Co-Chair of the Jewish Funders Network.

With her brother Lorenzo Urra, Angelica co-founded Global Nomad, an experiential travel design company based in Hong Kong.

She co-authored a book on philanthropy: “A Passion for Giving: Tools and Inspiration for Creating a Charitable Foundation,” with wealth adviser Peter Klein.

Rabbi Lenore Bohm became the Leichtag’s family rabbi in the 1980s while she was the spiritual leader of Temple Solel in Encinitas. For many years, she enjoyed a warm and close relationship with Lee, Toni, Joli and Joli’s daughter, Heather.  Lenore was honored to be invited to join the Board following Lee’s death in 2007.  She continued on the Board until 2013 and remained involved with the Foundation through 2015 as a Hive member, leading the nonprofit Waters of Eden:San Diego Community Mikvah and Education Center.

In 1982, Rabbi Bohm was one of the first 50 women rabbis ordained by Hebrew Union College. She spent most of her career serving the San Diego Jewish community in various roles including congregational rabbi, Jewish educator, counselor, retreat leader, and advocate for Jewish women. She has served on numerous Boards and as an informal adviser to numerous Jewish, interfaith and women’s organizations.

Rabbi Bohm continues to be a cherished teacher of Torah at Cong. Beth Israel and Temple Solel. She is married to Dr. David Phillips and has four children and seven grandchildren.