Our Team

Miryam Rosenzweig has been President and CEO of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation since 2019. She is proud to be a convener of community in a place with a tradition of leadership, philanthropy, and a commitment to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future in Milwaukee, in Israel and around the world.

During her tenure, Miryam has led the Federation through a period of growth, stability, and increased impact, navigating unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, a sharp rise in antisemitism, heightened security threats, and the communal impact following October 7. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its capacity to respond to emerging needs while maintaining strong financial stewardship and long-term strategic focus.

Miryam is a visible and trusted voice of the Milwaukee Jewish community, locally and statewide. She regularly engages with civic leaders and media, providing guidance and public leadership in response to antisemitism and threats to Jewish life. She has overseen the creation of a new department dedicated to addressing antisemitism in K-12 settings and strengthening Jewish identity education. She has also led efforts to diversify and grow revenue streams, strengthen the Annual Campaign, and secure federal, state, and national foundation funding, ensuring the long-term health of Federation assets.

Miryam has spent her entire career as a Jewish communal professional at the local, national, and international levels. Prior to her role in Milwaukee, she served as Chief Development Officer at the Jewish Federation of Detroit, where she led the Philanthropic Advancement team. Earlier, she was Head of Development Initiatives at World ORT, responsible for global NEXTGen strategy, and Associate Director of National Young Leadership at Jewish Federations of North America, where she oversaw national leadership programs, missions, and conferences.

Miryam holds a BA in Fine Arts and Psychology and an MSW from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work. She is a citizen of the United States, Canada, and Israel. She previously lived in New York and Detroit and currently resides in Milwaukee with her husband, Matthew Burchi, and their dog, Roxie Tikvah.

Mike serves as Chief Financial Officer, leading Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s (MJF) financial strategies and capital management, overseeing risk management, financial reporting, investments, properties, Information technology and human resources.  Mike is a key advisor to the CEO and other executives, and to the board, and he staffs MJF’s Finance, Investment, Audit and Fiscal Stewards Committees.  He works closely with volunteers, business partners and all partner agencies and tenants. 

Mike joined MJF in January 2023 following a 30-year career in public accounting at Sattell, Johnson Appel & Co, and twelve years as President & CEO of Ovation Communities and the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation.   

Julie Schack serves as Chief Development Officer at Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen and sustain Jewish life. In this position, Julie leads the Federation’s development efforts, helping to grow philanthropic support that fuels programs and services across Jewish Milwaukee.

At the Federation, Julie partners closely with colleagues, lay leaders, and donors to strengthen the annual campaign, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build a culture of generosity rooted in shared values. With more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and sales leadership, she brings a strategic and relationship-driven approach to philanthropy—often described as “sales with a soul.” Prior to joining the Federation, Julie held senior leadership roles within the Jewish community, including Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Affinities at the San Antonio Jewish Federation and Executive Director of Hillel Milwaukee, where she helped rebuild and reimagine Jewish life on campus and led award-winning fundraising initiatives.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys staying connected to the Milwaukee community she proudly calls home, as well as spending time with family and friends.

As Executive Director of both the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and JHub: An Institute for K-12 Jewish Resources, Samantha leads a dedicated team committed to empowering Wisconsin’s public and private school ecosystems to learn and teach about the Holocaust, contemporary antisemitism, and Jewish identity and history.

Samantha holds an MA in Museum Studies from the George Washington University, a BA in History with minors in Jewish Studies, Spanish, and English Literature from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, a certificate in nonprofit fiscal management from Cornell, and is a graduate of the Wexner Foundation’s Field Fellowship program. Samantha’s previous includes roles at the Capital Jewish Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Jewish Heritage North Carolina, and Jewish Museum Milwaukee. In her spare time, Samantha loves spending time with family and friends and is an avid walker, baker, and consumer of frozen custard (she is a Milwaukee native after all).

JoAnn Strickon serves as Vice President of Strategic Operations at Milwaukee Jewish Federation, leading cross-departmental strategic initiatives that advance the organization’s mission to strengthen and sustain Jewish life in Milwaukee and around the world. As a member of the Leadership Team, JoAnn partners with colleagues across departments and programs to ensure that our work aligns with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.  

When not at work, JoAnn enjoys doing yoga, engaging in lively debates over Shabbat meals, and reading while cuddling with her cats. 

Roberta has worked as a Jewish educator and communal professional in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. 

Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented interfaith security conferences; has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals on issues and incidents related to hate groups, extremism and terrorism; worked with dozens of educational institutions and school districts to successfully negotiate church/state issues and to provide trainings in the areas of bullying and cyber bullying; and provided guidance and assistance to community members who believe they have been the victims of discrimination and/or hate crimes. 

Ms. Clark is a recipient of the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the 2015 “Chai Award” from the URJ Greene Family Camp. She graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. in Political Science and holds dual M.A. degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA. 

Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations. 

Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and  director of education and worked with children of all ages. 

Ari Friedman is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (WJSN), leading security strategy and operations for more than 60 Jewish organizations statewide, including schools, synagogues, and community centers. With 18 years of experience in community safety, crisis management, and infrastructure protection, he strengthens preparedness and resilience through close partnerships with law enforcement, government, and community leadership.  

Previously, Ari served as Security Director for the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games, coordinating security for 1,000 international athletes across 17 venues. He holds certifications in Advanced Critical Infrastructure Protection, Critical Asset Risk Management, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience,  Fusion Liaison Officer, Executive Protection, FEMA emergency management, and First Responder CPR/First Aid. Through WJSN, Ari is committed to sustaining a strong culture of safety and preparedness statewide. 

Mitch serves as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation, where he helps donors, fundholders and community members to make their philanthropic dreams come to life through planned giving and endowments. He can assist community members to make their philanthropic giving more convenient and potentially tax advantageous through Donor Advised Funds, and works with them to create permanent endowment funds that can forever support the organizations and programs that are most meaningful to them, including permanent support for MJF’s annual campaign. Mitch also works with community organizations to aid them in establishing and growing endowment funds that both showcase and form the foundation for the organizations’ permanence and strength.  

 As a former voracious community volunteer for nearly 30 years before joining the Foundation, Mitch uses his extensive community knowledge, his legal background, and his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) training to help guide community members in reaching their philanthropic goals.  

Mike serves as Chief Financial Officer, leading Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s (MJF) financial strategies and capital management, overseeing risk management, financial reporting, investments, properties, Information technology and human resources.  Mike is a key advisor to the CEO and other executives, and to the board, and he staffs MJF’s Finance, Investment, Audit and Fiscal Stewards Committees.  He works closely with volunteers, business partners and all partner agencies and tenants. 

Mike joined MJF in January 2023 following a 30-year career in public accounting at Sattell, Johnson Appel & Co, and twelve years as President & CEO of Ovation Communities and the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation.   

Julie Schack serves as Chief Development Officer at Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen and sustain Jewish life. In this position, Julie leads the Federation’s development efforts, helping to grow philanthropic support that fuels programs and services across Jewish Milwaukee.

At the Federation, Julie partners closely with colleagues, lay leaders, and donors to strengthen the annual campaign, cultivate meaningful relationships, and build a culture of generosity rooted in shared values. With more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and sales leadership, she brings a strategic and relationship-driven approach to philanthropy—often described as “sales with a soul.” Prior to joining the Federation, Julie held senior leadership roles within the Jewish community, including Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Affinities at the San Antonio Jewish Federation and Executive Director of Hillel Milwaukee, where she helped rebuild and reimagine Jewish life on campus and led award-winning fundraising initiatives.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys staying connected to the Milwaukee community she proudly calls home, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Mitch serves as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation, where he helps donors, fundholders and community members to make their philanthropic dreams come to life through planned giving and endowments. He can assist community members to make their philanthropic giving more convenient and potentially tax advantageous through Donor Advised Funds, and works with them to create permanent endowment funds that can forever support the organizations and programs that are most meaningful to them, including permanent support for MJF’s annual campaign. Mitch also works with community organizations to aid them in establishing and growing endowment funds that both showcase and form the foundation for the organizations’ permanence and strength.  

 As a former voracious community volunteer for nearly 30 years before joining the Foundation, Mitch uses his extensive community knowledge, his legal background, and his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) training to help guide community members in reaching their philanthropic goals.  

Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.

In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.

Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.

Kelly has spent her career in the Jewish nonprofit world, working with many of the programs and organizations that helped shape her own Jewish identity and commitment to community. She is honored to serve as the Director of NextGen MKE at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, where she focuses on engaging, developing, and connecting Jewish young adults through leadership development, community building, and philanthropy.

Kelly moved to Milwaukee in 2015 to serve as the Assistant Director of the JCC Maccabi Games, where she supported large-scale programming and logistics for this game-changing event. She then joined the BBYO team, first in the Wisconsin Region and then overseeing BBYO’s summer leadership programs, working closely with teens, families, and numerous staff to cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Kelly is passionate about building meaningful Jewish experiences, strengthening leadership pipelines, and ensuring a vibrant, connected Jewish future in Milwaukee and beyond.

Jen Milkman is the Director of Grants and Philanthropic Services for the Jewish Community Foundation, a department of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. She oversees the processing of grants from the Foundation’s over 900 philanthropic funds, and assists donors and fundholders with their philanthropy. She oversees the Foundation’s college scholarship program, and its Book of Life program. She enjoys travel, cycling, and knitting.

Tziporah (Tzipi) Altman-Shafer is the Vice President of Jewish Communal Life and Learning. She is responsible for overseeing the Israel Center. She works with lay leaders in determining all Israel and Overseas allocations for Federation. Her responsibilities include directing the Coalition for Jewish Learning, providing support to all our local Jewish schools and educators, and overseeing the Planning Department, which is responsible for all local allocations. 

Tzipi grew up in Milwaukee and has been working in Jewish Education since 1987. She has a bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master’s degree in Jewish Education from the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies. Before coming to MJF in 2015, she worked at summer camps, supplementary schools, and day schools (including six schools in Milwaukee). She has been a teacher, a family educator, and  director of education and worked with children of all ages. 

At the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Nicole Boico partners closely with colleagues, educators, and community leaders to strengthen Jewish education across the Milwaukee community. In her role as Associate Director of the Coalition for Jewish Learning, she contributes to shaping educational strategy, supporting partner agencies, and leading initiatives that empower and uplift educators, including professional development, teacher mentoring, and community recognition programs such as the Salute to Jewish Educators. Drawing on over 15 years of combined experience in Jewish education and special education, Nicole is especially committed to helping schools create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of all learners and reflect Jewish values. 

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, Ilan, and their three children, Mila, Moses, and Asher. She loves traveling, shopping, singing karaoke, and curling up with a good book. 

Noa was born in Tiberias and spent most of her childhood in Ofra, a small Orthodox-Zionist community in northern Jerusalem. After graduating from high school, she fulfilled her Civil service by tutoring at-risk youth in general studies. During these two years she began exploring secularism. After finishing her service, she spent seven summers at Camp Ramah in upstate New York as a Shlicha. She specialized as a Hebrew Teacher and oversaw the Israeli staff and programs at the camp.

She attended Kibbutzim College in Tel Aviv, graduating with both a degree in education and a teacher certificate. She went on to get her master’s degree in Jewish studies from Schechter Institute in Jerusalem. While attending college, Noa worked for Masa program in Tel Aviv, BINA (The secular Yeshiva), and “Momentum – Lahayalim BeAhava” (a nonprofit that prepares soldiers for civilian life, right before the end of their military service.) For seven years Noa worked as a high school history and citizenship studies teacher. For the past 4 years, she worked for the Ministry of Education as an Educational Coordinator, guiding educational staff working with at-risk youth.

Noa married Liran during the summer of 2014. They came to Milwaukee with their two daughters Rona and Lihi and their dog Chika. Noa enjoys reading all genres, watching Israeli films and TV, jogging and Pilates.

As Director of Teen Initiatives for the Coalition for Jewish Learning at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Dalilah Conen leads community-wide teen engagement programs that cultivate Jewish identity, values-based leadership, and meaningful connection. She oversees the Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board, recruiting and mentoring teen leaders, teaching Jewish values related to giving, and empowering teens to build leadership skills through the philanthropic cycle, from learning about community needs to collective grantmaking and impact evaluation, in partnership with local agencies and Federation colleagues. 

Dalilah also oversees teen leaders of the Student to Student program, serving as the primary recruiter for teen educators, coordinating training and logistics, accompanying teens on classroom visits, and managing internal operations to support teens as confident peer leaders and Jewish ambassadors. She collaborates with internal and external partners to develop community programs and coordinates a network for professionals who support teen engagement.  

Outside of work, she can usually be found teaching Hebrew school, playing fetch at the dog park, or playing with her adorable nieces. 

Roberta has worked as a Jewish educator and communal professional in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. 

Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented interfaith security conferences; has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals on issues and incidents related to hate groups, extremism and terrorism; worked with dozens of educational institutions and school districts to successfully negotiate church/state issues and to provide trainings in the areas of bullying and cyber bullying; and provided guidance and assistance to community members who believe they have been the victims of discrimination and/or hate crimes. 

Ms. Clark is a recipient of the 2013 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the 2015 “Chai Award” from the URJ Greene Family Camp. She graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. in Political Science and holds dual M.A. degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA. 

Kai is a community leader, advocate, and bridge-builder whose work spans Jewish communal life, public health advocacy, and legal services. She serves as JCRC Director of Advocacy and Alliances where she builds bridges and strengthens dialogue and engagement between Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

Kai holds a BA in Political Science from Boston University with graduate studies in Public Health. A seasoned advocate for vulnerable communities, she has developed and secured significant philanthropic investment for initiatives advancing disability rights, cultural identity, refugee entrepreneurship, and intercultural collaboration. She is a graduate of Selah’s JOC Cohort, the Jewish Women of Color Resilience Circle, the Leading Edge Executive Leadership Program, and The Elluminate Collective, and has participated in Project Shema’s Black Jewish Cohort, Wisconsin 14 of the Builders Movement Project, and the Zioness Zahav Cohort. She also serves on the HOME Committee at the Lynden Sculpture Garden. Her leadership has been recognized by the NCJW Building Bridges Award, Milwaukee Rep’s Shero Award, and the Woman of Faith Award.

Molly Dubin is the Chief Curator of Jewish Museum Milwaukee, where she leads the development of exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives designed to engage diverse audiences through the lens of Jewish history, culture, and experience. Her curatorial work focuses on drawing connections between the past and present, and using history to contextualize and address contemporary issues and foster dialogue.

Molly’s interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the transformative power of art and storytelling and highlights museums as spaces for learning, reflection, preservation, and conversation. In her role, she contributes to institutional development, strategic planning, and partnership-building that strengthens JMM’s mission and community impact.

She holds a Master’s degree in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of Denver and has worked in the fields of Jewish art, culture and education for over 30 years. Outside of work Molly enjoys the outdoors, traveling, exploring museums, and spending time with family and friends.

Corey Sampson serves as Director of Marketing , where he plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen Jewish life. In this role, Corey leads marketing efforts for the Federation’s Annual Campaign, oversees events, and manages the day-to-day operations of the Marketing department. He works closely with teams across the organization on a wide range of projects, bringing strategy, creativity, and collaboration together to tell the Federation’s story and engage the community. He enjoys the variety his role offers and the opportunity to support meaningful work that connects people, strengthens partnerships, and helps the Milwaukee community thrive.

Outside of work, Corey enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, being outside, and listening to as much music as humanly possible.

As Director of Communications at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Jeff Jones leads or supports the strategy, development, and execution of the organization’s communications. He oversees external and internal messaging, media relations, crisis communications, and marketing initiatives that engage donors, volunteers, staff, and the broader community. Jeff manages the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, direct-mail fundraising campaigns, and a talented team of writers, designers, and vendors to ensure consistent, high-quality storytelling across platforms.

With deep experience in media relations, nonprofit communications, and campaign management, Jeff serves as a trusted communications advisor to leadership and staff, helping translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling messages. Since 2013, he has been employed by MJF. Jeff’s work is guided by the Federation’s core values of Klal Yisrael, tzedakah, and tikkun olam, and by a commitment to strengthening Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.

As Executive Director of both the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and JHub: An Institute for K-12 Jewish Resources, Samantha leads a dedicated team committed to empowering Wisconsin’s public and private school ecosystems to learn and teach about the Holocaust, contemporary antisemitism, and Jewish identity and history.

Samantha holds an MA in Museum Studies from the George Washington University, a BA in History with minors in Jewish Studies, Spanish, and English Literature from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, a certificate in nonprofit fiscal management from Cornell, and is a graduate of the Wexner Foundation’s Field Fellowship program. Samantha’s previous includes roles at the Capital Jewish Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Jewish Heritage North Carolina, and Jewish Museum Milwaukee. In her spare time, Samantha loves spending time with family and friends and is an avid walker, baker, and consumer of frozen custard (she is a Milwaukee native after all).

Sam Goldberg serves as Education Director at the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and of JHub: An Institute for K-12 Jewish Resources. In these positions, Sam works closely with educators throughout the state providing professional development, classroom-ready resources, and student engagement opportunities. She holds master’s degrees in both Jewish Professional Studies and Holocaust & Genocide studies.  

At the Federation, Sam works closely with partner agencies involved in the education space to provide a multi-faceted approach to Jewish education for Wisconsin schools. One of Sam’s goals is to help move the needle on antisemitism by providing a proactive approach through education in K-12 schools.  

Outside of work, she enjoys running and hosting Shabbat dinner for her friends.  

Jaclyn Skalecki Orozco is Project Coordinator for J·Hub at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, working across departments and with community partners to improve outreach and educator support. With experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach, she brings a literacy-first lens and a storyteller’s eye to educational work. Jaclyn holds a B.A. in Spanish and an M.Ed., with advanced coursework in language and literacy. Known for clear systems and creative problem-solving, she streamlines outreach, designs educator tools, and supports responsive professional learning. A proud Jew by choice, she brings personal commitment and deep educational expertise to the work.

Ari Friedman is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network (WJSN), leading security strategy and operations for more than 60 Jewish organizations statewide, including schools, synagogues, and community centers. With 18 years of experience in community safety, crisis management, and infrastructure protection, he strengthens preparedness and resilience through close partnerships with law enforcement, government, and community leadership.  

Previously, Ari served as Security Director for the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games, coordinating security for 1,000 international athletes across 17 venues. He holds certifications in Advanced Critical Infrastructure Protection, Critical Asset Risk Management, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience,  Fusion Liaison Officer, Executive Protection, FEMA emergency management, and First Responder CPR/First Aid. Through WJSN, Ari is committed to sustaining a strong culture of safety and preparedness statewide.