The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Announces Appointment of New Board President
Patti Wertheimer has contributed her professional expertise to vital Federation initiatives over the past 30 years.
(Sarasota, FL) The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) recently appointed Patti Wertheimer as president of its board of directors. Edie Chaifetz, Marsha Eisenberg, Debbie Haspel, Nancy Roucher, Anne Spindel, Adrea Sukin, Norman Weinberg and Peter Wells were appointed new members of the board at the same time.
Wertheimer moved to Sarasota with her family from Ohio in 1960. After graduating from Florida International University , she began her career as a juvenile and family case worker in Dade and Sarasota counties. From 2003 to 2008, Wertheimer lent her professional expertise to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, serving on the board for eight years. She spearheaded the Bob Malkin Young Ambassador teen leadership program, an initiative that helps local teens nurture a connection to Judaism and Israel while strengthening leadership skills. Wertheimer also served as chair of Israel@65, an 18-month, interfaith, community-wide initiative that featured speakers, films, concerts, and other cultural events to celebrate Israel’s 65th anniversary of modern statehood. A staunch advocate for education reform and innovation, Wertheimer has been involved with regional school efforts over the past two decades. She has served on the boards of Temple Beth Sholom and the Martin & Mildred Paver Religious School, and volunteered for numerous community efforts, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and All Faiths Food Bank’s Bowls For Hope. She and husband David have three grown children Brian, Steven and Sarah.
“I’m honored to have been called to lead The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s board of directors and look forward to contributing to its continued success,” says Wertheimer. “Its mission is very close to my heart. After serving on the board and on numerous committees over the past 30 years, I’m very familiar with the great work the Federation does in our community and around the world and am looking forward to taking it to the next level.”
Howard Tevlowitz, JFSM’s executive director, says he’s delighted Wertheimer will be leading the board. “With her deep roots in the local community, her passion for her Jewish heritage, and her years of involvement with local non-profit efforts, Patti will provide the strong leadership it will take to guide The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee forward into the next decade.”
About The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life in the Sarasota-Manatee region, in Israel, and throughout the world. In addition, the Federation is responsive when worldwide catastrophes occur. For more information, call 941-371-4546 or visit www.jfedsrq.org.
