Meet New JFS Board Members
The JFS Board of Directors will announce its 2024-2025 slate of officers and directors at its June meeting. Officers include President Tom Cytron-Hysom, Vice President Stuart Sanders, Treasurer Fred Dulles, Secretary Kate Searls, and Past President Bruce Matza. Returning directors include Linda Alter, Andrea Backes, Gerard Engelen, Joel Glaser, Peggy Kipp, Stan Lapidos, Susan Levey, Jamie Maddeaux, Mickey Minsberg, Andy Rapoport, Julia Wolfe, Masha Yevzelman. Joining the board are James Farnsworth, Jason Kaufman, Barbie Levine and Larry Solomon.
James Farnsworth, University of Minnesota Regent, works as a community program director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice and in seasonal positions for the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota State Fair. In addition to University service, Farnsworth is actively involved in non-profit governance as a member of the boards of directors of Isuroon and the Friends School of Minnesota. Farnsworth has completed coursework in human resource development in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He’s a proud St. Paul resident, serving on the Audit Committee of the St. Paul City Council and residing in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood.
Jason Kaufman is a professor of educational leadership, a licensed psychologist, and an occasional synagogue board member. A graduate of the Harry Kay Leadership Academy, he lives in Saint Paul.
Barbie Levine retired in 2021 from her position as Director of Adult Services and Programs at the Minnesota JCC after 28 years. She now spends her time serving as President of the Stevens Square Foundation, trying her hand at writing classes, playing tennis and traveling to see her granddaughters (and son and daughter-in-law). She grew up in Northern California and moved to the Twin Cities in 1984. She believes she has always had a mid-western soul. Barbie lives in Mendota Heights with her wife Sara Lynn Newberger. They are both involved members at Beth Jacob Congregation.
Larry Solomon brings 12 years of nonprofit experience as the Executive Director of Mount Zion Temple in St. Paul, building on over 25 years in career roles as a Human Resources Director and Operations Executive in the corporate world. Larry currently also serves on the Eagan Community Foundation Board and has been in leadership roles on the boards of Herzl Camp and Temple of Aaron, where he helped build employee and volunteer engagement, fundraising strategies and succession plans for key staff. Larry and his wife Margie have two adult children who live in the Twin Cities and have busy careers in the nonprofit and state government sectors.