Our Team
Our work is guided by the timeless Jewish values.
The Federation Philanthropy Partners team members offer a broad range of experience and deep knowledge of philanthropy practices. We are inspired by the opportunity to help our community make positive change in the world.
Joy Sisisky
CEO
415.512.6428 · JoyS@sfjcf.org
“I’m inspired by the opportunity to work and build a life in a community guided by progressive Jewish values and in a city full of history that thrives on innovation. I am deeply passionate about Jewish life and committed to smart philanthropy as a means of repairing the world.”
About Joy:
- Over 20 years of experience working at Jewish organizations on a range of areas including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, women’s philanthropy, and international women’s issues
- Served as Executive Director of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York
- Ralph I. Goldman Fellow in International Jewish Communal Service at JDC, for which she lived and worked in Ukraine and Ethiopia
- B.A. from Brandeis University in Near East and Judaic Studies and Politics; M.A. in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles; M.A. in Public Policy, Planning and Development from the University of Southern California
Rebecca Randall
Chief Philanthropy Officer
415.260.2024 · RebeccaR@sfjcf.org
“I’m inspired by the local Jewish philanthropic community and committed to growing our collective impact on behalf of children and families in the Bay Area and beyond."
About Rebecca:
- Over 20 years working in the nonprofit sector creating long-term impact and social change for children, families, and schools
- Particular expertise in philanthropy, fundraising, and program development, with a focus on early childhood development, parent/caregiver engagement, K-12 education, and the impact of media/technology on children and society
- B.A. in Social Work from University of New Hampshire; Masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work
Debbie Tuttle Berkowitz
Senior Director, Family Philanthropy
415.512.6291 · DebbieB@sfjcf.org
“I thrive on helping individuals and families identify their values and connecting these values to philanthropy for meaningful impact in our community and beyond. I believe that each person has the ability to change the world and that philanthropy is an important piece of that journey.”
About Debbie:
- Deep experience in the Jewish and nonprofits sector with special focus on Family Philanthropy, Multi-Generational, and Emerging Philanthropists
- Extensive experience in giving circles and group giving, including running multiple Impact Grants Initiative groups at the Federation; founding board member of the Giving Circles Fund
- B.A. in Religious Studies from UCSD; M.S.W. from the University of Southern California; M.A. in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles
Ruth Bender
Philanthropy Operations Project Manager
415.512.6205 · RuthB@sfjcf.org
“The majority of my career has been in the philanthropic sector and this has allowed me the pleasure to be a part of an important journey for so many individuals and families. Being a part of their efforts to move the dial and create positive change in the world motivates me every day.”
About Ruth:
- Over 10 years of focus on global grantmaking and private foundation management
- Serves on the board of Caravan to Class – an organization working to bring education to underserved areas of Mali
- B.A. from Colby College in psychology; Executive Certificates in Sustainable Management and Sports and Sustainability from Presidio Graduate School
Camille Menke
Director, Supporting Foundations
415.512.6228 · CamilleM@sfjcf.org
“I am driven by mission-focused work and feel inspired by the dedication, and the generosity of the individuals and Boards that I work with at Federation. I believe in the power of community and the great things that can be accomplished when people come together.”
About Camille:
- Special focus on Supporting Foundations and Board relations
- Over 14 years of experience with various philanthropic vehicles, grantee relations, and due diligence
- B.S. in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Arizona
Anita Jackson
Donor-Advised Funds Manager
415.512.6230 · AnitaJ@sfjcf.org
“With a focus on the operational and finance side of philanthropy, I am driven to provide the services that support the exciting work of our generous community. I feel fortunate that my work at the Federation helps philanthropists make a positive difference in the world.”
About Anita:
- 20 years of experience in nonprofit finance, operations, and grants management
- Particular interest and expertise in collaborating with private family foundations
- B.A. in English from Tulane University
Lisa Tabak
Senior Director of Philanthropy, East Bay
510.809.4920 · LisaT@sfjcf.org
“Every day provides a new opportunity to engage someone in the East Bay in making the Jewish community stronger and more vibrant.”
About Lisa:
- Over 20 years of experience working in fundraising and philanthropy with the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation and The Jewish Community Foundation in Berkeley
- Acted as Director of Young Adult Division, Director of Leadership Development, and the inaugural BLC (Business Leadership Council) Director of the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation
- Served as Executive Director of The Jewish Community Foundation
- B.A. from UC Berkeley in Political Science; Double M.A. in Jewish Communal Service and Human Services Management from Brandeis University where she was a FEREP (Federation Education and Executive Recruitment Program) scholarship recipient
Steve Brown
Senior Director, Gift Planning and Endowments
628.267.2627 · SteveB@sfjcf.org
“When you get to the heart of things, people really just want to make a difference. I love working with people to unearth what’s truly important to them and match them with new ways to change the world – ways that are meaningful, become part of their legacy, and set the stage for future generations.”
About Steve:
- Over 16 years of experience in community foundation development and operations; specialties in community-wide program development and legacy giving programs; focus on individual, family, and organizational engagement and stewardship
- Prior high-tech sector experience in product management and marketing
- B.A. from Brown University in Anthropology with a specialty in Ethnomusicology; awardee, Gail Littman Leadership Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
