After a four-month national search that resulted in several well-qualified candidates, Shir Tikvah’s Steering Committee is pleased to announce that Debbi Bodie has accepted the role of Executive Director of Congregation Shir Tikvah. Debbi started her new job June 24.
“Debbi brings us over 20 years of Jewish professional leadership and management experience in Portland. Her deep understanding of Jewish values, nonprofit management and philanthropy expertise, including volunteer engagement and support is most impressive,” says Shir Tikvah Search Committee Chair Jerry Cohen.
Prior to joining Shir Tikvah, Debbi served as Chief Development Officer at Cedar Sinai Park. In her 15 years there, she worked closely with their executive leadership, staff and volunteers ensuring the frailest elders and persons with disabilities received access to quality care regardless of income or resources.
Rabbi Ariel Stone notes that she and Debbi co-founded Hesed Shel Emet, a burial program providing low-income community members in Oregon and SW Washington with a dignified Jewish burial. As Program Administrator, Debbi has been responsible for on-going fundraising and coordination of all burials. She has worked closely with families, clergy, cemeteries and funeral homes. Debbi received the Jewish Programming Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services for this special community program.
She has committed her life to volunteerism, from being the youngest Sisterhood President of Congregation Beth Israel to chair of Congregation Neveh Shalom’s cemetery committee. She is a Florence Melton graduate.
Under the direction of the Steering Committee, Debbi will be working closely with Rabbi Ariel Stone and staff including Education Director Katie Schneider, Office Manager Amelia Schroth, and Office Assistant Jennifer Jones. Debbi will run Shir Tikvah’s day-to-day operations in support of congregational activities, including operational budgeting, communications and priority setting.
Steering Committee Chair Alysa Rose observes, “The hiring of an Executive Director is another milestone to celebrate during our 13th year and we very much look forward to the positive impact Debbi will have on our Shir Tikvah Community. We are really excited to have her on board.”
503-473-8227 | shirtikvahpdx.org
