The Board of Trustees of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) has elected Evan Schlessinger as chair. Schlessinger succeeds William R. Feiler, who completed his second consecutive two-year term as chair of The Foundation, the largest manager of charitable assets and planned-giving solutions for Los Angeles Jewish philanthropists.
“Evan Schlessinger personifies the outstanding attributes of dedicated leaders who have preceded him in this position. As a longtime Foundation donor, trustee and officer including chairing our eminent Cutting Edge Grants Committee he possesses deep institutional understanding. His active involvement in the broader Jewish and general communities speak to Evan’s commitment to service. And, his professional background brings significant value-added skill sets to The Foundation as we continue to be a source of steadfast support in these challenging times,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Marvin I. Schotland.
Schotland went on to praise the leadership of Feiler, who will continue to serve as a trustee.
“On Bill’s watch, The Foundation’s charitable assets under management grew by $336 million to a record $1.43 billion, while our grantmaking during that juncture reached all-time highs, amounting to $495 million. Bill has been an invaluable counselor and sounding board to me and our management team as we have navigated the unprecedented needs resulting from the pandemic.”
Schlessinger told the Courier that he is looking forward to serving as chair.
“With The Foundation’s rich history and track record of support for Jewish causes locally, in Israel and around the world, as well as across the general community, its mission has never been more important than during these challenging times where need is greater than ever. I am honored to serve as chair of an organization like The Foundation that cherishes personal relationships with its donors to ensure all their charitable giving needs are met,” he said.
Schlessinger is president of the Springboard Company, a market research and consulting firm based in Los Angeles. His prior service as a lay leader includes former executive committee member of the Jewish Funders Network, past board chair of Jewish Family and Life Media and a founding board member and past chair of the Los Angeles Jewish Venture Philanthropy Fund. He is a frequent speaker, facilitator and trainer on the topic of marketing for nonprofits. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Schlessinger earned his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
