Our Board of Directors provides Keshet with the direction and forward momentum needed to not only grow our services but also our impact and connection to our community. Many board members have been with us from the very beginning, while many are new voices, helping us navigate the decisions needed to continue our growth now and in the future. Keshet’s board is unique with at least 51% of directors being families members of people with disabilities.
Become a VolunteerMichelle is an author, life coach, and self-described professional board member, who has given her time and talents to many Jewish nonprofits. As a blind woman, Michelle holds fast to the motto of the disabled community, “nothing about us without us,” and feels a deep, personal commitment and connection to Keshet’s mission.
Steven has spent 30 years as an investor, developer and operator of senior housing and long-term care properties. His son, Jason, is a participant in Keshet’s GADOL and MY Life programs. He's grateful to give back to an organization that strives to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities while providing a sense of community and inclusion.
Mitchell is an accomplished attorney at Much Shelist with more than 20 years of experience. He has long been a supporter of civic and charitable causes in Chicago and beyond and has made social responsibility and philanthropy two of his firm’s highest commitments.
Jeremy is a long-term health care operator at Tower Hill Healthcare Center. He generously gives his time as a board member to many organizations in our community. Keshet is important to his family as his daughter is a student in our school.
Dr. Ben Feinzimer is an emergency medicine physician and senior clinical educator with deep ties to the Highland Park community. Motivated by his family’s connection to Keshet and personal experience raising a child with autism, he is dedicated to supporting Keshet’s mission of inclusion and growth.
Michael Friedman is the CEO and Founder of Hilco IP Merchant Banking, an integrated provider of intellectual property advisory and monetization services, and principal investor in intellectual property-related transactions. He is also a Lecturer in Law at The University of Chicago Law School and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University Law School.
Jamie is a funeral director at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home in Wilmette. She plans and leads services for families experiencing loss. Keshet has been a part of her family's life for over 25 years, as her brother Luke was a student, camper, and is a current GADOL and MY Life participant.
David Pessis is a technology leader with deep expertise in product strategy, engineering management and cloud-based innovation. He’s passionate about creating opportunities for individuals with special needs to achieve their dreams.
Most of Elliot's career has been focused on real estate as he has worked at Harrison Street Real Estate since 2007. Elliot has been exposed to the impact that Keshet has made on people since a young age. He is excited to dedicate his time and energy to benefit Keshet, the board, and Keshet families.
AJ Price is a Wealth Advisor at Strategic Wealth Partners with a background in tax planning, investment strategy and financial risk management. He’s excited to bring his expertise to Keshet to help expand its reach and impact.
Nicole Putzel is the founder of Putzel Kitchen, LLC and a certified nutrition coach specializing in culinary wellness and holistic health. She’s passionate about teaching cooking and nutrition to all ages, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and looks forward to supporting Keshet’s growing programs.
Andrew is an associate at Much Shelist with a focus on corporate law and representing private equity firms. He is also the brother of Rachel, Keshet MY Life resident. For the past two years, Andrew and his wife, Galya, have sat on numerous Keshet fundraising and event committees.
Scott spent 32 years as a pediatrician in the Chicagoland area before recently retiring. As someone who spent a career caring for children, he finds the Keshet mission very meaningful and is looking forward to being involved.
When it comes to passion about Keshet, Doug is it. He is inspired by all the organization does for his son and so many others. Professionally, Doug is an accomplished media and marketing executive having worked with the Walt Disney Company, Oprah Winfrey, Sony, Nate Berkus, Queen Latifah, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Hearst Magazines.
Doug currently serves the Assistant Vice President for Education Initiatives at Jewish United Fund. Doug has chosen to commit time to Keshet because of his passion for inclusion—in all forms and settings—and is excited to help however he can.
At Keshet, we are fortunate to have such a dedicated, caring and wide-reaching community. We recognize the following Honorary Trustees for their tremendous service to Keshet. Keshet honors these people for their years of leadership and/or role in founding of Keshet.
Shari Coe
Sharon & Charles z”l Frankel
Phillip Goldstick
Robert & Debra Hartman
Mark & Micki z”l Iris
Dr. Sandy & Glenda Mason
Michael Maling
Milton & Laurie Wakschlag
The Keshet Leadership Council is a group of young, passionate professionals who want to make a difference by supporting Keshet. As a member of the Keshet Leadership Council, you will play a crucial role in shaping the organization’s future by actively contributing to board activities, assisting in event development, and helping us achieve our ambitious fundraising goal of $40,000 for the year 2024.
The Leadership Council is currently accepting new members! If you are interested in joining, fill out the application below and email to Lexi Silvers-Castillon.