Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund Nominates Laura Lauder as 35th Board Chair-Elect

San Francisco, CA — Today, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund announced that Laura Lauder, a dedicated leader, community builder and philanthropist who has worked with the institution for more than four decades, has been elected as its 35th board chair-elect. As board chair, Lauder will focus on advancing the Federation as a center for Jewish philanthropy to ensure the institution responds to 21st century needs in a changing world. This involves continuing to build thriving Jewish communities, expanding into new initiatives, creating innovative giving tools and opportunities, and addressing the most pressing issues of our time. 

Lauder’s appointment is set to begin on January 15, 2025. In her new role, Lauder hopes to raise the visibility of the Federation and spark a continuous dialogue with Bay Area Jewish communities to ensure the institution is meeting their needs for today and tomorrow. Lauder intends to nurture a new generation of Jewish leaders for the future, involving and engaging younger leaders.  Ahead of the start of her tenure, Lauder has created a virtual question and suggestion box and is inviting community members to share their thoughts and ideas around how the Federation can continue to evolve as a center for Jewish philanthropy. The virtual suggestion box can be accessed here. Lauder will also offer a “First 100 Day Plan” to communicate her vision as board chair and highlight the Federation’s immediate and long-term priorities. 

“This is a moment of incredible transformation for the Federation — we are a philanthropic advisor, a catalyst for change and convener for visionaries who are committed to helping Bay Area Jewish communities thrive,” said Lauder. “It has been a privilege to support the Federation’s evolution over the past four decades, and I am thrilled to help lead the institution into this exciting next chapter as board chair.” 

“Laura brings tremendous knowledge, a lifelong passion for philanthropy and a deep commitment to Jewish values to the board chair role” said Joy Sisisky, Federation CEO. “Her expansive background in venture philanthropy and impact investing is particularly impressive, as is her enthusiasm for building vibrant Jewish communities in the Bay Area and globally. I am excited to partner with her as she leads our institution into a new era and expands our reach and impact.” 

“Laura Lauder is a visionary leader with limitless energy and decades of experience,” said current Federation Board Chair Eileen Ruby. “She is the perfect person to chair the board for the next phase of Federation’s growth and transformation to a 21st century center for Jewish philanthropy.” 

Lauder’s impact on the Federation has already been indelible. Lauder first got involved in the South Peninsula Federation in Palo Alto in 1984, later serving as South Peninsula Campaign Chair. She served on the Federation board multiple times in the 1990s and 2000s. Lauder has served on the Endowment Committee of the Federation, which manages nearly $2.5 billion in assets, since 1997. From 2016 to 2020, she served as endowment chair and was the youngest person ever to be elected to the role. Lauder was instrumental in creating the Impact Giving Initiative, which at one point ran 11 simultaneous giving circles across diverse communities. She co-founded the Jewish Teen Foundation Board Incubator, which develops community-based teen philanthropy giving circles throughout North America, Australia, and Israel. 

During Lauder’s forthcoming tenure, the Federation will introduce even more innovative initiatives to live out its values of tzedakah, taking care of the needy; tikkun olam, repairing the world; kehillah, building community; and tzedek, pursuing justice. These programs and projects will continue to engage members of the Jewish community and welcome new, diverse perspectives to build a Federation for the next hundred years. 

About Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
For over a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has harnessed innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and one another; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world.

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