fbpx

Spertus Graduates, ETTA Appoints COO, Magen David Adom Unveils New Center

[additional-authors]
July 22, 2022
Local Jewish professional Lori Tessel (center) joins fellow Spertus graduates from a special cohort for Jewish communal executives. Photo by Maggie Russo

Four Los Angeles residents recently graduated from a prestigious Master’s program at the Chicago-based Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. 

The students earned their Master of Arts (MA) in Jewish Professional Studies, completing a creative capacity-building program for Jewish community executives designed to advance their careers and strengthen the organizations they serve.

Club Z’s Jen Weintraub (left) with Spertus Dean and Chief Academic Officer Keren Fraiman. Photo by Maggie Russo

The students are: Josh Steinberg, director of operations at Swipe Out Hunger; Lori Tessel, former executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Jen Weintraub, regional manager for teen Zionist organization Club Z; and Aya Shechter, advisory council member at Council of Young Jewish Presidents. 

They joined thousands of other Spertus alumni who have advanced Jewish organizations and communities around the world with Spertus-acquired knowledge and skills. Three of the Los Angeles graduates participated in a recent ceremony in Chicago.

“It is wonderful to gather together for this special occasion, with guests joining us in person and tuning in from around the world,” Spertus President and CEO Dean Bell said at the event. “Graduation provides an opportunity to celebrate graduates’ academic and professional achievements—and also to recognize the proud colleagues, fans, friends, and loved ones who supported them along the way.”

Echoing the Spertus leader’s sentiments, Steinberg said: “By combining theory and practice, the program provided tools I can apply directly to my work.”


ETTA, a leading service provider to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced that Scott Saliman has rejoined the organization’s leadership team as its COO, effective July 1.

“I am honored to rejoin ETTA’s leadership team as COO,” Saliman said. “ETTA has been a trailblazer for the disabilities community, transforming the lives of clients, families, and volunteers for nearly three decades. I look forward to bringing my experience to ETTA as it expands its services and continues to work to create a more compassionate and inclusive community.”

An expert in nonprofit and financial management, Saliman has an extensive history with ETTA and the Jewish communities of Los Angeles. He served in various capacities at ETTA, including CFO, COO, and senior advisor, from 2004-2015. During his tenure, he ensured ETTA’s long-term strategic and financial sustainability and developed successful, client-focused day-to-day operations. 

He returns to ETTA after running treasury operations for The RAND Corporation, a leading global non-partisan public policy research non-profit organization.

“We are thrilled for Scott’s return as COO of ETTA,” ETTA CEO Michael Held said. “Scott’s industry knowledge, finance and operating experience, leadership skills, and familiarity with ETTA will be a tremendous asset in growing our organization as the premier service provider for people with disabilities on the West Coast.”


Michael Dreyer and Anoosheh Bostani of the Alfred E Mann Family Foundation, a key supporter of the new Magen David Adom Marcus Blood Services Center in Israel. Courtesy of the Alfred E Mann Family Foundation

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service, recently unveiled its brand new MDA Marcus National Blood Services Center in Israel, a subterranean, shielded national blood center in Ramla, Israel. 

The dedication ceremony of the center was held May 2 event in Israel, with Israeli leaders and American donors in attendance. 

Key supporters of the $135 million center, designed to protect Israel’s blood reserves from missile, chemical and biological attacks, included American Friends of Magen David Adom, the U.S.-based fundraising affiliate of MDA, as well as the Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation.

The Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation, a Valencia, California-based grantmaking organization, was a significant donor to the project, sponsoring the upper lobby of the six-floor center.

“The Marcus Center is a testament to Israel’s dedication to its citizens and we are thankful to have an organization whose mission is to help people affected by disasters,” Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation President Michael Dreyer and Foundation Treasurer and Secretary Anoosheh Bostani said in a joint statement. “There can be no greater service than serving people in need. The Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation is proud to be supporting the Marcus Center in its mission to save lives.”

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.