Take Five with Terry Friedman, Our New JFS Board President!

Earlier today, JFS Communications sent out our regular e-newsletter, the JFS { Insider, which keeps our donors, volunteers, clients, and friends updated on what's going on within the agency. (Want to sign up to get e-newsletter? Click here!)

This month's JFS { Insider featured something special - a Take Five Q&A with our new JFS Board President for 2012-2014, Terry Friedman! Read on below to learn more about Terry's background and plans to keep JFS thriving!

How did you originally get involved with JFS?

When I was the Executive Director of Bet Tzedek in the 1980s, we coordinated closely with JFS to serve our mutual elderly Jewish clients in Beverly-Fairfax and West Hollywood. In the 1990s, I joined the JFS Executive Board and especially enjoyed chairing the Ethics Committee.

Can you share some of your other community involvements?

Currently, I am a member of the California Judicial Council, the governing body of the State Judiciary. I also serve on the Board of Directors of Bet Tzedek and the Board of Advocates of Human Rights First.

What about the agency inspires you?

So many of our JFS staff, volunteers and board members have dedicated themselves to JFS for decades. This lifelong commitment to an organization is rare. It reflects not only the vital, enduring importance of what JFS does, but also the humane way our agency treats everyone who participates in it.

What do you hope to accomplish/what are some of your goals for your term as Board President?

JFS has grown and succeeded because we have had outstanding leadership for many years. So my first goal is to do my best to maintain the excellent structure and programs our past leaders have built. Of course, we cannot stand still; our visionary staff won’t let us! The recent recession has caused much suffering in our community, and at the same time, funding for many critical government programs has been cut deeply. As a Jewish organization, it is our moral obligation to help all in need, regardless of religion. We need to spread the word throughout Los Angeles that this is the mission of JFS.

What’s something not many people know about you?

I am a dedicated (my athletic wife says obsessive) daily runner and bicyclist. Many years my only non-workout day is Yom Kippur, but of course I spend much of that day standing in services!