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

Dave Adelman grew up in New Haven, Connecticut and graduated in 1966 from Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island with a BS in Business Administration, and then spent 3 years in the US Army with a tour in Korea. He moved to Atlanta in February, 1970 and then began working for a women’s sportswear manufacturer. Dave purchased franchises in Georgia and Alabama for an OSHA Compliance company and sold them in 1978. In 1978, Dave joined Jerry’s Pawn Shop (owned by Sheila’s father, Jerry Mandel). Dave met Sheila in 1974 and they married in 1975, and have a daughter, Denise Adelman. In 1985 Sheila and Dave purchased the family business. Dave became very involved in the Pawn Industry and he was instrumental in creating the Georgia Pawn Association. In 1989 he was asked to join the Board of Directors of the National Pawn Association. Sheila and Dave opened their second store in 1995 in Buckhead. Dave served as President of the Georgia Pawnbrokers Association as well as President of the National Pawnbrokers Association. He received the NPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, they sold the business and retired. In 2016, Dave attended his first JELF Event and decided to become active in JELF.

Sheila Adelman was born in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Education in 1972. She taught high school for several years, followed by a 10 year career with IBM. In 1974, she met David Adelman and they were married in 1975 and are the parents of Denise Adelman. They began working with Sheila’s father (Jerry Mandel) in 1978 at Jerry’s Pawn Shop and became the owners of the business in 1985. Sheila has been involved with City of Hope, Epstein, and Yeshiva High, as well as serving in multiple Leadership roles at Ahavath Achim Synagogue throughout the years. In 1995, Sheila and David opened a second store in Buckhead and in 2012 they sold the business and retired. Sheila became involved with JELF due to encouragement from Kathe Brown, Marianne Garber and Judy Wolman. She is currently working on JELF’s Finance and Resource Development Committees. Sheila is thrilled to serving on the JELF Board.

Cherie Aviv has volunteered throughout her adult life. Cherie holds many leadership roles within the Greater Atlanta community and has served on various boards throughout the community. Cherie has participated in JELF Loan Review Allocations for several years. Cherie created and runs the Holocaust Survivors Support Fund (HSSF) convened by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to raise funds and provide critical care support to Holocaust survivors in their final years. Cherie has also created many programs that reach out to older adults and their caregivers. In 2021, Cherie was awarded Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Atlanta Chapter. Additionally, Cherie is a passionate reader and runner of many races including 12 marathons.

Brian was born in New York and then moved to South Florida before moving to Atlanta in 1987 to attend Georgia Tech. He spent most of his career as an electrical engineer in commercial construction. He and his wife Susan have three children, the oldest of whom is now in college. When Susan started a nonprofit in Atlanta called “Most Valuable Kids,” Brian was inspired to get involved in the community. Brian’s work with JELF has been very rewarding, as he has helped make great advances in the areas of operations, technology and resource development. In 2021, Brian was honored with the Steve and Eydie Koonin Family Service Award, recognizing up and coming JELF leaders who have started to make a big difference.

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.

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.

Stephanie Gang lives in East Cobb with her husband Barry and 2 dogs Leo and Lily. She has 2 children, Ilana, a CPA working in Buckhead and a son, Matt, working as an analyst in Washington DC. She has been on the JELF board in the past for 6 years and is very happy to return! She is also a member of NCJW and has been a volunteer with The Literacy Project at Brumby Elementary School for over 6 years. She and her family are members of Congregation Etz Chaim.

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.

Maria Gurevich 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.

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 is an investment analyst at Merrill Lynch and has been involved on multiple committees with JELF over the past few years, including the visibility committee and finance committee. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, he graduated from Emory University in 2011 and currently lives in Brookhaven, GA. 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.

Aaron W. Lipson is a partner at King & Spalding in Atlanta in the Special Matters and Government Investigations practice group. Aaron typically represents corporations and individuals facing complex government investigations, often from the DOJ, FBI, SEC, and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Prior to joining King & Spalding, Aaron worked in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement for nearly 15 years, where he led investigations into financial and securities fraud. At the time he left the agency, Aaron headed the SEC’s Enforcement program for its Atlanta regional office. Aaron obtained his B.A. in history from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law, earning honors at each institution. Aaron is also an adjunct professor of securities law at both Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law.

Aaron is an Atlanta native who lives in Toco Hills with his wife Leslie, and two teenage children, Kay and Rory. They are members of the Ohr HaTorah congregation.

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.

Kevin Rubin is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kevin and his wife (Andrea) relocated to Atlanta in 2006. Kevin received a Masters of Science in Information Systems Technology (MSIST) and Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) from the George Washington University in 2001. Kevin graduated from Emory University School of Law in 2008 and is licensed to practice law in the state of Georgia. After practicing family law at other top Atlanta firms, Kevin founded Rubin Family Law, LLC. Kevin is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. In addition, Kevin has been recognized by Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, and Georgia Trend Legal Elite for his legal acumen. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and avidly cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as his adopted teams – Atlanta Braves and Atlanta United. Kevin and his wife live in East Cobb with their three children.

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.”

Gil Wolchock is a Business Development Executive at mLevel, an industry leading digital earning platform. Prior to his time at mLevel Gil was with LexisNexis and previously Definition 6 in NY. Gil has two daughters one of whom is still in high school and the other recently began college. Gil and his daughters are all active in Jewish life. Gil is a graduate of the University of Florida and currently resides in Roswell, GA. In his spare time Gil loves to root on his hometown Philadelphia sports teams as well as the Florida Gators.

Aaron Zucker is based in Charlotte and joins the JELF Board after serving on multiple committees for the organization prior to his nomination. When not serving for JELF, Aaron spends his time owning and operating two companies- Zucker Investment Group (ZIG), which specializes in the acquisition and operating of retail commercial real estate properties across the U.S & as a franchisee of American Family Care (AFC), an urgent care brand in the Raleigh, NC market. Aaron is also an assistant Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Providence Day School where he played in high school. Aaron & his wife, Lawrence are proud parents to Sophie (2), their dog Champ & are expecting a son in early 2021.