here for good
After a nationwide search, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis has selected Brian Herstig as its next President and CEO. Herstig succeeds Andrew Rehfeld, who left in April to become President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Herstig, currently residing in Minneapolis, has an impressive and varied background working in the nonprofit sector, including a total of 15 years at the Jewish Federations of Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. Most recently, Herstig has been the Director of Operations and Administration at Twin Cities R!SE, which assists individuals in generational poverty on the path to long-term and stable employment. He holds two master’s degrees, one in nonprofit management and the other in Jewish communal service, from Brandeis University, and he graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University with a degree in social work.
Herstig is expected to begin his new role the beginning of January. “Brian immediately rose to the top of our candidate list for his keen attributes, especially with implementation and vision around strategic planning and our new community investment model,” says Greg Yawitz, Federation board chair and co-chair of the search committee.
Gerry Greiman, immediate past Federation board chair and co-chair of the search committee, adds, “Brian impressed us with having the ability to connect with and inspire all segments of our Jewish community, and to lead the Federation in implementing our strategic plan and vision.”
Herstig is married to Barbara (Barb) and has three children. He and his family look forward to moving to St. Louis and beginning his journey at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “My background in social work taught me to ‘meet people where they are,’ which means to listen more than you speak, look for commonalities among a diverse group, and design solutions that work for as many people as possible,” he says. “I have tried to do that in my career, and it will be my honor to work with the St. Louis Jewish community to do so.”
Herstig will head up a Federation senior management team that includes COO Don Hannon, who was acting CEO during the search, and three Federation managers, who were named to newly created vice president positions. They are Mindee Fredman, Vice President, Community Impact; Julie Gibbs, Vice President, Development; and Karen Sher, Vice President, Community Engagement. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central philanthropic, planning, and community-building organization. Founded in 1901, it is one of the region’s most respected and effective nonprofit organizations. Jewish Federation of St. Louis supports more than 90 agencies, programs and services in St. Louis and around the world to ensure a thriving Jewish community, respond to emergencies, and care for our vulnerable. Funds are raised through the Federations’ Annual Campaign and through planned giving opportunities.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is a proud member of United Way, a Better Business Bureau Accredited charity, and a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, its highest possible rating. Find out more at JFedSTL.org.
Women’s Philanthropy’s 6th annual L’Chaim! returns October 27, 2020. Make plans to join us for another great evening of celebration, community and giving at this premier women’s event.
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