We are thrilled to announce Tom Kasten as the 2026 recipient of the Robert Sinton Award for Distinguished Leadership, one of the Federation’s highest honors. Presented annually to an extraordinary lifetime leader, the award recognizes someone who has woven tzedakah (taking care of people in need) and philanthropy into the fabric of their life — not as obligations, but as a calling.
Tom’s commitment to Jewish life runs wide and deep. He has served as Board Chair of both the Federation and Jewish Vocational Service and was recognized with the Federation’s Award of Excellence back in 2008 — making this year’s honor not a beginning, but a continuation of a legacy that has only grown richer with time.
Today, he serves as Board Chair of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, as well as on the boards of the North Peninsula Jewish Campus (PJCC & Wornick Day School), the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living Foundation, and the Pilchuck Glass School, and is a Founding Partner of J Ventures.
As Chair of the Contemporary Jewish Museum board, he also serves on the Executive, Finance & Investment, and Developmental Commitees — and as a Circle of Friends member, his support of the museum went far beyond governance.
“Tom has been an extraordinary leader among Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, with his deep intellect, his passion for understanding issues, his practical decision-making and his lively sense of humor.“
— Jim Koshland
A Career Built on Vision
After graduating from Berkeley with both a BS and MBA, Tom spent 34 years as a senior executive at Levi Strauss & Co. During his tenure, he led the Youthwear, Men’s Jeans, and Womenswear divisions, serving as Executive Vice President of New Business Development, and overseeing the company’s Leveraged Buyout (LBO) and U.S. technology operations. It was a career of real consequence — and when it was time to turn that energy outward, Tom didn’t slow down.
“Tom’s leadership is defined by a combination of qualities that inspire those around him. His deep commitment to community is at the foundation of everything he does. Tom approaches every challenge with thoroughness, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked. It has been to honor to serve alongside Tom at the Federation, the CJM, and the Campus for Jewish Living Foundation where his dedication and integrity have left a lasting impression on these and all the of the many organizations he has touched. He inspires us all to fulfill the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world).”
— Dana Corvin
A Civic Leader Too
Tom’s sense of responsibility extends well beyond the Jewish community. He served twelve years on the Hillsborough Town Council, including two terms as Mayor, and twelve years as Police Commissioner. He was President of the Hillsborough Schools Foundation, chaired the Housing Element Committee and the City/County Association of Governments for San Mateo County, and brought the same steady hand to regional task forces on housing, traffic, and emergency services. In short, he shows up wherever he’s needed, for as long as it takes.
The Person Behind the Record
Tom and his wife Kendra live in Hillsborough, where they share a deep love of contemporary studio glass and have built a remarkable collection. They have two children and three granddaughters.
The Robert Sinton Award honors leaders who make you proud to be part of this community. Tom Kasten is exactly that kind of person.
The Robert Sinton Award for Distinguished Leadership is in honor of Robert Sinton, a community leader whose dedication to the Federation and other Bay Area organizations spanned more than five decades. This leadership award embodies his passion for Jewish communal and civic volunteerism. The Sinton Award is given to an extraordinary life-time leader who has consistently dedicated their time to the Jewish and general communities. For questions, please email awards@jewishfed.org.
