Jelf's Board of Directors A great team can
overcome any challenge

Justin Barry is a current Board Member at JELF. He has been actively involved in the organization for several years, most recently serving on the Loan Review committee. Justin was born and raised in Atlanta and is a longtime member of Temple Sinai. Justin is a partner in the real estate finance and development practice at the Atlanta based law firm of Morris Manning and Martin. Justin received an undergraduate finance degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a J.D. from Emory University in Atlanta. Justin is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife Lindsey and two children, Asher and Hayden.

Warren currently serves as CFO for CHRIS 180, Inc., as well as the Georgia Health Initiative. Skilled in fundraising, GAAP accounting, Mergers and Acquisitions, Enterprise Risk Management, Risk Management, and Financial Services. Strong business operations orientation with a BS in Business and concentration in Accounting (Magna cum laude) from University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business.

Joanne grew up in Atlanta and has been involved in many philanthropic endeavors throughout the years. Most recently, she served as General Campaign Chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and currently serves as a Board Member of the National Women’s Philanthropy for JFNA. For over ten years, Joanne served on the Board of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy (now the Atlanta Jewish Academy), and has also served on the Boards of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, JF&CS, NCJW and is a former Wexter Heritage Participant. Joanne also served as Co-Chair of JELF’s 2016 and 2018 Major Events. Joanne is married to Eddie, who has also served on the JELF Board over the years, and together they are proud parents and grandparents.

Maria Bordetsky is a tax attorney specializing in corporate international tax area, currently working at PriceWaterhouseCoopers advising financial services companies on international tax exposure. Prior to PwC, Maria worked at major global investment banks where she facilitated investment funds global tax obligations. With assistance from JELF, Maria received her BA at University of South Carolina in 1997, JD at Suffolk University Law School in 2001 and LL.M in Taxation at Boston University in 2009. Maria lives in Boston and has two daughters Mia and Emanuela, and giant schnauzer Lenny. Maria is passionate about travel, tennis and Jewish history. Maria currently serves as Co-Chair of JELF’s Alumni Committee.

Mathew Borenstein is an Atlanta native who has worked in banking, financial services and media product management and innovation for the last dozen years. He also has taught at and consulted with K12 schools, universities and several large companies and entrepreneurs on innovation and new strategy development. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a journalism degree and worked as a reporter and digital producer before returning to Georgia Tech for an MBA. He also studied Consumer-Focused Innovation and Design Thinking at Stanford University.

In addition to serving JELF, Matthew volunteers with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta on its Innovation Committee, evaluating new ideas to support the Atlanta Jewish community. He has participated in JELF loan reviews and worked with the technology and operations committee for the last few years and is excited to become more involved with the organization and its amazing mission.

Matthew lives in Candler Park with his wife Erica, a Jewish non-profit professional. A long-time runner, Matthew has completed three marathons, and is now looking forward to working in his yard.

Ken is a longtime educator who also serves on the Board or Trustees for the Columbus High School Alumni Association, as well as for the Riverdale-Porterdale Cemetery Foundation. Additionally, he is a member Temple Israel, where he serves as Assistant Treasurer. He is also a member of the Columbus, GA museum as well as various educational groups.

Jason is a Managing Director for Renasant Bank in the Corporate Real Estate Group. He is a born and raised Atlantan and received his BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia. Jason and his wife Allie, along with their two children reside in Brookhaven. They are members of Temple Sinai and active in the Jewish community. Jason’s passion is spending time with his children and engaging in their activities.

Barry has been involved with JELF through various family members for many years, but increased his personal involvement post his retirement. Barry’s participation includes Loan Review as well as being a member of JELF’s Finance and Investment Committees. Barry also chairs JELF’s Audit Committee. Barry’s professional career spanned 40 years as a retirement consultant/actuary with Aon Corporation (and Hewitt Associates, its predecessor organization), and most recently served as Aon’s North America Wealth Solutions Operations Leader until his retirement in 2024.

Barry grew up in New Jersey and received his B.S. Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Barry moved to the Atlanta area in the mid-1980’s, where he met his wife, Stephanie, and raised their two children together. Both are now married and he has one beautiful grand-daughter (with more grandkids hopefully down the road).

Barry also has served on his synagogue board (Congregation Etz Chaim, Marietta, GA) since 2015, including 7 years as Etz Chaim’s Chief Financial Officer.

When Barry is not working on spreadsheets, he enjoys travel, skiing (snow), golf (at times) and spending time with family and friends.

Elizabeth Goldberg joins the JELF board after being involved with the organization since she was a loan recipient.  She comes from a family of passionate JELF supporters, including her grandparents, mother, uncle, siblings, and niece.

Professionally, Elizabeth is an expert in strategic fundraising, individual and major gift giving programs, and moves management with over 25 years of non-profit experience. In 2024, she joined the Alloy Fundraising team as the VP of Strategic Fundraising, working with non-profits in a consultant capacity. 

Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wheaton College and earned a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership from Brandeis University. She is a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals as well as Repair the World.  Elizabeth lives in Brookhaven with her husband and enjoys spending time with their two dogs, friends, and family. She also loves cooking, working out, learning, reading, and traveling.  She is excited to join the JELF board! 

Steven Gluck is a member of JELF’s Loan Program Committee and has been involved with JELF since 2021. Steven is a manager at Aprio LLP. Prior to moving to Atlanta, now at Peachtree Corners, for college Steven lived in Miami, Florida. He received both his MPA and Bachelors from Emory University in 2016. Steven is passionate about learning and attends a local trivia contest every week with friends.

Greg Gaylis was raised in San Diego, California, and moved to Atlanta in 2014.  He received his B.S. in Human Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. Greg is an attorney at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, where his practice focuses on healthcare transactions and regulatory compliance. Greg lives with his wife, Jade, and children, Ashton, Tori and Zac in Sandy Springs. In addition to his involvement with JELF, Greg is very involved in multiple aspects of the Jewish community, also serving on the board of Congregation Beth Tefillah. Greg enjoys playing sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.  

When JELF’s Educational Loan Committee approved a loan for Ed Hyken in 1985, they could not foresee that he would one day be a board member.

Hyken came to the United States with his mother from St. Petersburg, Russia, in February 1982, at the age of 14. He graduated from Atlanta’s Yeshiva High School and was accepted at Emory University in Atlanta with a very good financial package, but it didn’t cover all the costs of attending school. He and his mother had emigrated from Russia only three years before and the financial resources of this single-parent family were extremely limited.

He earned a B.S. in economics and computer science from Emory in 1989 and began repaying his loan. In 1993, after several years in the work force, he enrolled at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania to earn an MBA, again with JELF’s assistance. 

After Wharton, Hyken started a computer consulting business. Together with a high school classmate, Hyken started Expressiva, a nursing-wear company which offers contemporary and stylish clothing for professional medical professionals.  

Hyken was elected to JELF’s board of directors in 2001 and, a year later, was elected one of JELF’s vice-presidents. He became a co-chair of the Educational Loan Committee that same year. He remains an active supporter of JELF today.

Richard Jacobson retired from Cox Enterprises in 2011 and is married to Marcia. Together they have two grown daughters who are each married with children of their own. Richard got involved in JELF in 2017 and joined the board shortly thereafter. In 2019 he began working with the Operations committee where he has taken an active lead in helping JELF prosper and grow. In 2021 Richard Jacobson was presented with the Steve and Eydie Koonin Family Service Award for his involvement and significant contributions to JELF.

Adam Kaye joined the JELF Board of Directors in 2022 after several years of involvement with JELF’s Loan Review committee. Adam is an attorney at the law firm of Baker & Hostetler LLP, where his practice focuses on commercial real estate finance and development. Adam received his B.A in Public Relations from the University of Georgia along with his J.D. from Georgia State University. Adam was raised in Atlanta and lives in Sandy Springs with his wife. Adam is a Board Member of The Blue Dove Foundation and an active member in various community and professional organizations around Atlanta.

Jonathan Kessler serves as Vice President of Investment at OpenArc Corporate Advisory. Prior to that, he was with Merrill Lynch for 14 years. He has been involved on multiple committees with JELF since 2016, including the visibility committee and finance committee. He currently serves as JELF’s Investment Committee Co-Chair.

Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Jonathan graduated from Emory University in 2011 and currently lives in Dunwoody with his wife Maddie and their daughter. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys traveling as well as playing basketball and golf.

Active in the community, Mark has served as a board member and chair of the investment committee of The Davis Academy, a board member and investment committee member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, a board member of the American Jewish Committee, a two-term president of Congregation Dor Tamid, and a two-term president of the Cohen Group Home. Mark has also been recognized as a Zaban Leadership Award Honoree, a Goldstein Leadership Award Honoree, and a PALI Participant (Philanthropic Atlanta Leadership Institute). In addition, he volunteers with a number of animal rights and cancer-oriented charities within his community.

Professionally, Mark is a Senior Vice President/Investments with Stifel, and has been a Financial Advisor for 34 years. Mark is from Atlanta and resides in Johns Creek, Georgia. He is actively involved with his children – Matthew, Sam, Sarah and Bryan – and has several pets, including two goldendoodles, a cat and fish. He also enjoys travel, the arts, and sports – especially Georgia Bulldog football.

Phil is an investment banker with TM Capital, where he advises mid market companies with regard to mergers and acquisitions, growth financings and leveraged finance transactions. Phil grew up in Jericho, NY and moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University, from which he graduated with a BBA in Finance in 2007. Since graduating from college, he and his wife, Elizabeth, have (mostly) made their home in Atlanta and currently reside in Morningside with their two young sons and a golden doodle. Phil is a member of The Temple and is also active in various community and professional organizations around Atlanta. .

Ron Krudo received his masters degree with the assistance of JELF. Born in New York to Israeli parents, he moved to Florida at a young age and currently resides in Boca Raton. He received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Florida State University. During his time on campus, Ron worked for the Hillel at FSU overseeing all programming and engagement initiatives.

After graduating, Ron spent almost 5 years working in the Jewish non-profit space for StandWithUs, overseeing their campus department and assisting with nationwide initiatives and fundraising. He currently works at a Fort Lauderdale-based Capital Sourcing and Mergers & Acquisitions Investment Banking firm. Ron is active in various Jewish non-profit organizations, volunteering his time on multiple boards and chairing events. He is extremely passionate about helping for-profit and non-profit organizations increase their impact and results through scalable growth strategies and hands-on support.

Bio coming soon.

Jon Mittleman currently works as a business broker for Transworld Business Advisors. Prior to his current role, Jon was a franchisee owner for Fish Window Cleaning for more than 16 years. Additionally, during that tenure, he worked in franchise development for the corporate office of Fish Window Cleaning for more than a decade, helping new franchisees enter the system and tenured franchisees exit the system. In his spare time, he volunteers at Northside Hospital and the Sandy Springs Community Action Center (CAC), and enjoys playing golf.

Jon received an MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and a B.S. from SUNY Albany in upstate NY. Jon and his wife Michelle, who has been a 5th grade teacher at the Davis Academy for more than 15 years, have lived in Dunwoody for 25 years. His children, Alexa and Zac are currently attending the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!!!).

Eitan Ovadia currently lives in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Cara, and their three young children. He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a BBA in Finance from Georgia State University, followed by a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. Eitan works for a family office, helping oversee a multitude of retail, industrial and other commercial real estate assets around the country. In particular, Eitan runs a division of the company focused on multifamily apartment development and investment. Prior to moving from Atlanta in 2015, Eitan practiced law at Hartman, Simons and Wood, and served as General Counsel for The Radco Companies and for Halvorsen Holdings.

Rob Rickles is Chief Marketing Officer at OpenArc Corporate Advisory and previously spent more than 20 years as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch.

For Rob, JELF’s support represented far more than just another student loan to help fund his undergraduate studies at Northwestern University—it was his Jewish community stepping up to invest in his future. More than a decade after making his final loan payment, he was contacted by JELF as part of an alumni outreach effort and invited to become involved as a volunteer.

Grateful for the support JELF had provided, Rob welcomed the opportunity to give back to the organization. He initially became involved through service on the Advancement Committee, where he contributed to a range of public relations and communications initiatives, and later continued his leadership through several additional committees, including the Loan Program and Board Development committees.

Rob has served as JELF Board Chair twice (2013–2015 and 2021–2023), an honor he will always treasure. In recognition of his longstanding leadership and commitment, he was presented with the Garber Family Honor Roll Award in 2017 and again in 2024. As a longtime board member and financial supporter, Rob has cherished the opportunity to come full circle—helping ensure that future generations of Jewish students have the resources they need to complete their education. L’dor v’dor.

Philip Rubin, a native of Atlanta, was fortunate enough to receive a JELF loan while he was an undergraduate at The University of Florida. He was approached by JELF about five years ago being a past recipient and was blown away about the simple impactful mission of JELF. He has spent the past couple of years spreading the word on JELF. He is most proud of a parlor meeting that he was on the leadership team for JELF that raised over $15,000 for JELF in 2022. Philip is married to Amy Rubin and they have three kids, Jake, Hailey and Zach.

Jane Sandler is VP of Global Risk Management for McKesson, a Fortune 10 diversified healthcare services company. Executive leader, whose career spans over 25+ years, Jane held senior roles in insurance brokerage, regulatory compliance and corporate risk management in technology, healthcare, life sciences, energy and higher education sectors.

Jane has been recognized for her thought leadership, innovative solutions, and results-oriented cross-functional approach. She was recognized as 2021 Risk Management Team of the Year by Business Insurance, inducted into RIMS 2020 Risk Management Honor Roll and awarded a prestigious Risk Science & Insurance Industry Leadership Award (The Riskies) in 2016. Active in her professional community, she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Georgia State University Risk Management Foundation and on Advisory Boards for a number of major insurance and reinsurance companies. Jane has also served as the Board member and President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS), and Board member of the Georgia Society for Healthcare Risk Management (GSHRM). Jane holds an MBA in Finance & Risk Modeling and a BBA in Risk Management; Insurance. She is passionate about developing the next generation and mentoring students and young professionals.

Jared Seff is an experienced legal and business strategist, who is currently an Executive Director, Senior Corporate Counsel, at NCR Atleos Corporation.  He was formerly Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Novare Group from 2022-2023, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc., from 2016-2022 and a Corporate and Securities Attorney at Bryan Cave LLP from 2012-2016. Jared, who is originally from North Miami Beach, moved to Atlanta to attend Emory where he earned a BBA in Finance and Accounting and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.  Jared and his wife Kimsey live in Brookhaven with their two young daughters.

A native Atlantan, Stacey has a long history with JELF, as her mother, Dr. Judy Wolman, was a JELF recipient during her undergraduate education. Stacey served on the Resource Development committee prior to joining the Board. Stacey received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial / Organizational Psychology from GA Tech. She has worked with Russell Reynolds Associates, an executive search firm, for over 12 years, and is currently a Managing Director. In addition to JELF, Stacey is involved with Camp Twin Lakes and The Epstein School. Stacey and her husband Stuart reside in Sandy Springs with their two children.

Adon Solomon is a Partner at the law firm of Fox Rothschild, LLP, where his practice lies in the area of wealth preservation for individuals, families and businesses. Adon received his B.B.A in Finance from the University of Georgia along with his J.D. and M.B.A from Georgia State University. Adon was raised in Atlanta and lives in Sandy Springs with his wife and 3 daughters. Adon is an active member in various community and professional organizations around Atlanta.

Josh Videlefsky was born in South Africa and raised in Atlanta, GA. He graduated from Tulane University and worked as a financial analyst for an Atlanta based commercial mortgage brokerage company out of school. Josh proceeded to join OA Development, a private real estate investment company, in 2017.

Josh is involved with JELF and a few other community based non-profits. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf, gardening, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife Brittany and two dogs, Milo and Walter.

“JELF’s last dollars loans helped me afford my education at Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia in the 1980s. In times of crazy tuition costs, these funds can allow a student to live in acceptable housing and not be forced to work 40 hours per week, on top of pursuing a full-time degree. I am so happy to give back so our next generation can obtain the most important thing in life – an education.”