Teamwork makes the dream work Meet JELF's professional team

Jenna Leopold Shulman has led JELF as Chief Executive Officer since 2014, overseeing remarkable growth in both loan applications and fundraising, with increases exceeding 100%. A graduate of Emory University School of Law and the University of Florida, Jenna’s roots trace back to North Miami Beach, FL but she has called Atlanta home for over 20 years. Before becoming CEO of JELF, Jenna served as Region Director of ORT America for Atlanta and Charleston.

Jenna’s impact extends beyond her role at JELF; she has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the community. In 2014, she was honored as one of Atlanta’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Atlanta Jewish Times and was acknowledged as an outstanding Jewish community innovator. With a passion for advocacy, Jenna has dedicated her time to various steering, leadership, and advisory committees, advocating for critical community-wide issues.

In her spare time, Jenna’s hobby is matchmaking like-minded singles through juLuv, Atlanta’s only free Jewish matchmaking service, where she has facilitated numerous successful marriages.

Cathy Herman Miller started with JELF in 2001 as a part-time financial coordinator until becoming full time in 2008, then served as Director of Finance and Operations from 2012-2015 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Cathy, originally from Greensboro, NC and received her B.S. in Consumer Economics from the University of Georgia, where she taught personal finance and was an athletic academic tutor for UGA. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia upon graduation and began her career in the public sector while volunteering in the Jewish Community.

Cathy is certified in nonprofit finance and accounting and has served as a guest seminar instructor on the methods of financing college at the University of Central Florida. She also created the Financial Facts Seminars for JELF and facilitates them around the JELF region.

Cathy has served as a Board Member of the Ahavath Achim (AA) Synagogue and currently serves on their budget and finance committee. In the past, she has also served in a variety of volunteer capacities for The Epstein School of Atlanta. Cathy lives in Marietta, GA with her husband of over 35 years, Ronny.

Josh Schaier has served as JELF’s Chief Development Officer since 2015. Prior to working at JELF, Josh worked in University Development and Alumni Relations at New York University and with the fundraising team of the 92nd Street Y. Before a career in nonprofit fundraising, Josh was a legal assistant at several law firms in Manhattan. Josh received his MPA, Nonprofit Management from NYU Wagner in 2015 and his BA, History from Binghamton University in 2006.

Sandra Bass joined JELF in April 2019 and is JELF’s Director of Loan Program. She holds a Masters of Education from the University of Florida and is originally from Miami, Florida, but has called Atlanta home since 1998. Sandra has worked in the Atlanta Jewish community for over 20 years. In this time, she served various roles at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and at Camp Judaea. In her spare time, Sandra enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and everything art related.

Miriam Friedman joined JELF in 2023 and serves as Senior Development Officer.  Miriam is a seasoned nonprofit professional with 17 years of fundraising experience serving the Atlanta Jewish Community. She has held past roles at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Jewish Family & Career Services, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.  Miriam earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Masters of Jewish Nonprofit Leadership from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.  She enjoys traveling, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family and friends. 

Brian Kaplan brings decades of experience in education, nonprofit arts, and strategic communications to his new role at JELF. With a strong background in marketing, public relations, and branding, Brian has spent his career helping mission-driven organizations tell their stories and connect with communities in meaningful ways. He began his professional journey in the music industry, eventually transitioning into the nonprofit sector where he found his passion for using creativity and communication to make a difference. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Colby College and is thrilled to join the JELF team to help further its powerful mission of supporting students in need.

Jody Vane joined JELF in 2019. Although she has lived in Georgia for most of her adult life, she grew up in New Jersey and has been in Atlanta for over 30 years. Despite the traffic, she happily traded northern life for southern life very easily and enjoyed raising her family in Atlanta. Jody worked for many years as a nanny while also serving as a volunteer on multiple board positions in the community. At JELF, Jody has proven herself as a detail-oriented and efficient operations manager and executive assistant!

Jenifer Lieberbaum has been JELF’s Administrative and Financial Coordinator since 2013. Jenifer received her BA in Psychology from Emory University and MS in Industrial Psychology from Tulane University. She worked for several years in corporate Human Resources before becoming a stay-at-home mom to raise her two sons. Jenifer resumed working outside the home in 2011, receiving her Paralegal Certificate and working as a Legal Assistant before starting with JELF.

She and her husband Bill have lived in Atlanta for 30 years and are members of Congregation Etz Chaim.