When I stood before you a year ago, much was changing across our Federation, and many questions remained. The previous CEO was departing, and Sherri Tarr had agreed to step in as our Interim CEO.
What a difference a year makes.
In October, Sherri finally accepted the position of CEO, and since that time, we have not only met many of our goals but, in several cases, have exceeded our own expectations.
Big Updates for the Goldring-Woldenberg Campus
Last September, our financial status presented clear challenges. I am pleased to report that today we continue to maintain positive cash flow month after month, and in many areas our expenses are coming in below budget. Our 2025 audit is currently being finalized and will be presented to the full Board for approval in October.
The financial position of the Goldring-Woldenberg Campus is stronger than it has been in years. While we have not yet reached a break-even point, we are managing the facility more effectively and efficiently than we have in the past, and the progress is encouraging.
Speaking of the building, everything is now in place for the installation of the new roof and HVAC system. We are currently awaiting delivery of the HVAC equipment, which was ordered in March and has experienced delays. Hopefully it is not still stranded somewhere in the Strait of Hormuz. In all seriousness, we expect it to arrive soon, and our goal remains to have both the roof and HVAC installation completed by the end of October.
I would like to publicly recognize and thank the members of our Building Committee for their dedication and expertise. Marc Dahlman has served as our project manager throughout this process. Mike Hertzog has provided invaluable technical knowledge and guidance. Committee Chair Jonny Lake, along with Leon Pesses, Hal Shepard, and Harry Lazarus, have all contributed their time, experience, and wisdom. Your efforts have been instrumental to this project, and our community is deeply grateful.
Bigger, Better, Fewer
Last year, I shared our new mantra: Bigger, Better, and Fewer. I’m happy to report that seems to have been well-received. We have made a concerted effort to collaborate with our partners, our constituent agencies, and our beneficiary agencies in order to deliver the strongest programming possible. We have also worked closely with our local synagogues to support their missions and strengthen our connections throughout the community.
Last year, I announced our hope of organizing a community mission to Israel. While I personally believe that visiting Israel remains one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our connection to our Jewish identity and peoplehood, we have decided not to sponsor a Federation-wide mission at this time. Instead, we encourage community members to participate through missions organized by our local synagogues and other organizations.
The Historic 2026 Annual Campaign
Through the outstanding leadership of Sherri Tarr and Charissa Brim, the dedication of the Development team, Christine Crook and Raquel Allison, and with the extraordinary efforts of our 2026 Campaign Co-Chairs, Jackie Stern and Jon Schlackman, the 2026 campaign achieved an historic milestone, raising a record-breaking $3,000,451.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the generosity of our community. To everyone who contributed, thank you for your confidence, your commitment, and your partnership. Your support ensures that our agencies and programs can continue to meet the needs of our community, both today and in the future.
As we look ahead, we are thrilled to welcome our 2027 Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Tracey Dodd and Gary Zoller, whose leadership, vision, and planning is already building on this year’s remarkable momentum.
Thanks to the efforts of our International Lion of Judah Conference Recruitment Chair and winner of the 2026 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland award, Susan Green, New Orleans will be sending eight Lions to the sold-out conference in Austin, TX in early 2027. Under Susan’s leadership, Federation is also launching the new Lion of Judah Step Up Initiative, a three-year pathway designed to cultivate future Lion donors, strengthen engagement, and develop the next generation of Women’s Philanthropy leaders and ambassadors. We could not be more excited to see how this new initiative will further energize and strengthen our already vibrant campaign and Lion community.
On a personal note, I want to thank all of you for the support you have shown me throughout my service. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve this community.
To our Board members and Executive Board members: Thank you. You have delivered on every challenge put before you. I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinarily talented, thoughtful, and dedicated group of leaders. On behalf of Jewish New Orleans, thank you for your willingness to serve, for the expertise you bring, and for your unwavering dedication to our community.
Vigilance Is Needed in 2027--and Beyond
While I have painted a largely positive picture, there is one area where the challenges continue to grow.
Antisemitism continues to rise, both here and around the world. The need to secure our institutions, our events, and our people continues to grow and with it, the financial burden required to provide that security.
Unfortunately, we are not alone in facing this challenge. Jewish communities in cities across the United States and around the world are confronting these same concerns. Whether attending the General Assembly, national conferences, or meetings with Federation leaders from across the country, security remains the number one topic of discussion.
We will continue to remain vigilant. We will continue to stand against hate and violence. We will continue to invest in strategies and resources that will help protect our community. While I expect these costs and needs to continue increasing, I am confident that our community will meet these challenges with the same resilience, unity, and determination that have carried us through difficult times before.
A Note of Personal Gratitude
Finally, there is one more group of people I would like to thank: Our incredible staff.
Thanks:
To Lara, you are multi-talented, in programming as well as communications. Thanks for your support and willingness to engage at all levels.
To Christine, you keep us (me) organized and on track. Your ability to look for grants and opportunities is amazing–and very successful.
To Rachel, our donor relations manager. Thanks for your expertise in keeping our community members in touch and relating to them, especially in the financial area.
To Kathryn, our director of administration. You keep Sherri and I on track and our organization running very smoothly.
To Jessica, our new mom! Welcome back. Thanks for helping in all events. You were missed this summer!
To Jimmy, you are truly respected and needed, especially in today’s climate. Thanks for all your advice in keeping us safe.
To Sidney and our operations team, thanks for putting up with all my dumb questions and suggestions. Thanks for keeping the building going and for always being available, even at the most inopportune times.
To Elizabeth, thanks for your complete love of what we do. Your advice and support have helped us turn the corner, achieving a balanced budget.
To Tana, your enthusiasm, commitment, and love of all things “J” is infectious. Thanks for returning to Federation. You were missed.
To Charissa, your infectious laugh and wonderful disposition keep us all in great spirits. You are incredibly powerful and highly successful. You are the leader that guided us to the $3 million mark!
To Aaron, your diplomacy and general knowledge of our governmental affairs is greatly admired by all, especially me.
And finally…
To Sherri. I think that if you did not know it, you are our Jewish community. You are our heart and our soul. You ask, we deliver. You have been the leader behind the scenes for the last 25 years. Now you have ascended the throne. We honor and treasure you, almost as much as Matt, Kayla, Josh, and Katelyn do. Thank you.