Announcing the recipient of the 2015 Dinkelspiel Award: Alex Rayter

Each year, the Federation’s Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Young Leadership recognizes a community member who is a consistent leader in our Federation volunteer community, has great potential for future leadership, and is 40 years old or younger. Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipient, Alex Rayter!

Alex’s active involvement with the Federation began in 2009 when he went on a trip to Israel organized by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Federation. He is currently a member of the Federation’s Board of Directors, sits on the Business Leadership Council programming and steering committees, and is part of the Federation’s Pro Bono Consulting Practice for nonprofits requiring technology assistance. Prior to these positions, Alex participated in two rounds of the Federation’s Russian Engagement Impact Grants Initiative, was a member of the Federation’s Board of Governors, and served on Super Sunday recruitment committees and on the Big Mitzvah committee.

Additionally, Alex is chair of the Russian Jewish Community (MishMash) Steering Committee at the Federation. He also leads an effort in his synagogue, Anshey Sfard in San Francisco, to engage and grow the membership of the young adult community. This past year, Alex helped a close friend start an initiative called JS Dance Reach, which aims to bring ballroom and classical dance instruction to underprivileged youth, and is part of a wider initiative of a Federation Donor Advised Fund created in the memory of his cousin, Jason Shmelnik.

Alex is a Managing Principal at Phoenix 2.0, Inc., an IT consulting firm, and founder of the company’s Managed Services division. He recently became a stepfather to two wonderful kids, whom he enjoys very much. He also boxes recreationally and is a huge history buff.