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
Violetta Tutunik
Senior Philanthropy Associate
415.512.6262 · ViolettaT@sfjcf.org
“I am inspired to help philanthropists make positive, impactful, and lasting change in the world. My work enabling individuals and organizations to advance progress, help those in need, and protect our environment is extremely gratifying.”
About Violetta:
- Over 10 years of experience working with clients in the private sector, public affairs, and philanthropy, specializing in program and project management
- Prior experience in philanthropy managing a global environmental grants program at Goldman Environmental Prize; advising firms on sustainability, environmental, and clean energy policy issues globally; and in international affairs at Eurasia Group
- B.A. from UCLA in Political Science; Master of International Affairs from Columbia 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
