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Executives

Leading Edge announces sixth “Leading Executives” cohort

by Leading Edge

Meet the Jewish nonprofit leaders in the next cohort of Leading Edge’s acclaimed executive leadership development program.

Developing strong leadership skills is vital for navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with guiding nonprofit organizations. In today’s shifting landscape, Jewish nonprofit leaders are grappling with a range of pressing issues and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. To effectively address these challenges, leaders must cultivate competencies in strategic vision, communication, and adaptability. By strengthening these leadership skills, Jewish nonprofit executives can guide their organizations to fulfill their missions, support their communities, and create a lasting, positive impact.

With this in mind, Leading Edge is excited to announce the launch of the sixth cohort of Leading Executives. This transformative program brings together a diverse group of executive leaders from Jewish nonprofit organizations across North America, each poised to deepen their leadership abilities in profound ways. Throughout the program, running from August to early 2026, participants will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, engage in personalized growth experiences, and collaborate with fellow cohort members.

The following leaders will participate in the sixth cohort of Leading Executives:

    • Earl Bloom (Congregation Anshai Torah)
    • David Bocarsly (Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC))
    • Jessy Dressin (Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh)
    • Susanna Garfein (Na'aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning)
    • Rachel Gildiner (SRE Network)
    • Becca Green (Charlotte Jewish Preschool)
    • Adina Mermelstein Konikoff (YAFFED)
    • Jaimie Krass (Keshet)
    • Danny Labin (Jewish Federation of the Desert)
    • Craig Neuman (Congregation Shaare Emeth)
    • Kelli Trotsky Pfaff (The Efshar Project)
    • Meredith Polsky (Matan)
    • Rachel Rudman (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue)
    • Irene Lehrer Sandalow (The Institute for Jewish Enrichment)
    • Mark Segel (Jewish Federation of Central New York)
    • Larry Sernovitz (Hillels of Georgia)
    • Liron Shoham (Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues)
    • Rebekah Sobel (Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education)
    • Mike Steklof (Hillel of Buffalo)
    • Scott Michael Topal (Ramah Darom)
    • Aviva Vilenski (Nissa)

Research by Leading Edge consistently shows that the connections leaders make with their peers within the Jewish nonprofit sector are invaluable. Leading Executives is designed to foster these meaningful connections, giving participants the chance to collaborate, share experiences, and grow together in a supportive environment. As recent participants have shared, the program helped them gain clarity in their leadership roles, improved their conflict resolution abilities, and strengthened their communication skills.

By the end of this cohort, the participants will be equipped with the tools, resources, and a lasting network that will empower them to lead their organizations with confidence and vision.

Are you interested in future cohorts of Leading Executives, or do you know someone who should be? Don’t miss information about future cohorts when it becomes available; sign up for the interest list for Leading Executives here and for Leading Edge’s newsletter at leadingedge.org/contact-us/.

About the Author
  • Leading Edge

    Leading Edge mobilizes Jewish organizations to become places where great people deliver great impact.

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