Scott Kaufman

Leap of Faith

Amidst the flurry of congratulatory calls and casual drop-by visitors to his office, it’s clear everyone still wants a moment of Scott Kaufman’s time. Those who have come to know him best — those who have been energized, motivated and inspired by his friendship, partnership and leadership — certainly will miss him as he steps away from his day-to-day role as Federation’s CEO.

The Keith Family

Out, Open and Welcoming

Mother and father. Sister and brother. She. He. They are a family: Richard and Roz Keith – husband and wife, partners in business and proud parents of two young adults. Each in his, her, their way has embraced change in their family roles to become wiser, gentler and smarter about gender identity.

Norm Pappas

Connected and Wired to Help

A trusted advisor, compassionate listener and astute observer of all who seek his counsel. A strategic planner and innovator in business and wealth management. A fundraiser, inspiring others to follow his lead in philanthropy; a creative thinker, problem solver and ready volunteer through more than four decades of service to the community, in partnership with his wife, Susie. This is Norm Pappas.

Matt Ran

Next Gen Rising

A born leader: Matt Ran is Past President (and an EPIC fundraiser) for Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit. Now Co-chair of the National Young Leadership Cabinet, Matt is also V.P. of Michigan ORT and a member of the boards of Federation, Yad Ezra and the JCC of Metro Detroit. And he also has a day job.

Vladimir Gendelman

How to Succeed

Born and raised in the former Soviet Union, Vladimir immigrated to the U.S. with his parents when he was 16 years old. With less than $500 to their name, his family made their way to Detroit. From humble starts and stumbles, with hard work at every turn, Vladimir continues to grow at the helm of a company considered to be the standard bearer in the e-commerce sphere of the print industry.

Ilana and Zachary Liss

“We’re a Team”

They finish each other’s sentences. They describe their life as Perfect. Chaos. Typical. Jewish. Blessed. Two busy professionals, never too busy for their leading roles as parents and Jewish community volunteers. This is Ilana Liss, Managing Director at Schechter Wealth . . . and Zachary Liss, MD, Pediatric Urologist, Michigan Institute of Urology . . . a NEXTGen Detroit couple, committed to building community and leading by example.

Always On

As long as he can remember, Scott Wasserman has been a techie. “I have always been into computers, gadgets, gizmos—anything with an on button.” Today he runs a video marketing and production company with a growth spurt into the New York area and a recent project in Geneva, Switzerland. On the move and “always on,” yet firmly rooted in Jewish Detroit, Scott indeed is an emerging young leader to watch, friend and follow.

Sherri Singer

Community Weaver

Could she have been a rabbi? Sherrie Singer’s lifelong love of Jewish learning certainly points in that direction. “I’ve been mentored and molded by rabbis my entire life,” she notes, “but I’ve chosen a different path.” Sherrie has indeed found her voice — not at a pulpit, but on the platform of an outstanding community leader in Jewish Detroit.

Josh Gershonowicz

Captain Vision

From a one-man shop to a full-service marketing agency scaling heights for clients and building fast companies . . . this is Josh Gershonowicz, Founder and CEO of Rebuild Group, a diversely creative team with unparalleled insight into the digital age of marketing and communications. A rising NEXTGen star with a head for business and the heart of a philanthropist, Josh is indeed one to watch, “friend and follow.”

Bellinsons

Brilliant Detroiters

“Be the change you want to see.” These are the words emblazoned in neon letters in Jim Bellinson’s office place at Riverstone Communities. These are the words Carolyn Bellinson turns into action every day in her role as President of Hebrew Free Loan. These are the words that speak volumes about the Bellinsons.