By Jason Edelstein
Leading Edge announced the 21 Jewish nonprofit leaders in the newest cohort of its acclaimed executive leadership development program, “Leading Executives.”
“Developing strong leadership skills is vital for navigating the challenges and opportunities of this moment,” said Abby Crawford, VP of Leadership Programs at Leading Edge. “In today’s shifting landscape, Jewish nonprofit leaders are grappling with a range of pressing issues. Leaders need support and they need to grow and practice core competencies in strategic vision, communication, and adaptability.”
By strengthening these leadership skills, according to Leading Edge, Jewish nonprofit executives can guide their organizations to fulfill their missions, support their communities, and create a lasting, positive impact. Cohort participants will be equipped with the tools, resources, and a lasting network that will empower them to lead their organizations with confidence and vision.
Leading Executives 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.
“Our research into the experience of Jewish nonprofit executives shows that connections with other leaders in the Jewish nonprofit sector is the single most agreed-upon form of support that leaders find valuable to them in their roles,” added Crawford. “For today’s executives, the value of a supportive peer group is higher than ever before.”
The new cohort of Leading Executives
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Earl Bloom (Congregation Anshai Torah)
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David Bocarsly (Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC)
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Jessy Dressin (Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh)
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Susanna Garfein (Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning)
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Rachel Gildiner (SRE Network)
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Becca Green (Charlotte Jewish Preschool)
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Adina Mermelstein Konikoff (YAFFED)
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Jaimie Krass (Keshet)
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Danny Labin (Jewish Federation of the Desert)
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Craig Neuman (Congregation Shaare Emeth)
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Kelli Trotsky Pfaff (The Efshar Project)
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Meredith Polsky (Matan)
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Rachel Rudman (Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue)
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Irene Lehrer Sandalow (The Institute for Jewish Enrichment)
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Mark Segel (Jewish Federation of Central New York)
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Larry Sernovitz (Hillels of Georgia)
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Liron Shoham (Inter-Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab Issues)
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Rebekah Sobel (Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education)
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Mike Steklof (Hillel of Buffalo)
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Scott Michael Topal (Ramah Darom)
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Aviva Vilenski (Nissa)
