Former JCA CEO appointed president
Following JCA’s Board of Governors meeting last week, the organisation announced that Ian Sandler, former JCA CEO will succeed Stephen Chipkin as President.
Alain Hasson, Stephen Chipkin and Ian Sandler
Chipkin steps down from the role after six years at the helm. His presidency saw JCA revitalise its engagement of the next generation as well as revolutionise its fundraising model to encompass program giving – allowing donors a greater choice as to where their money is directed.
“As much as we have seen change and innovation at JCA, this year has underscored the reason why we exist, because as a community we care about each other. This includes the many families who have consistently supported JCA over the years and the younger generation who have inherited this generosity of spirit. We really are stronger together, now more than ever, and that has the power to change people’s lives for the better. It’s a timeless value that is the essence of our Jewish identity and I feel extremely grateful to have played some small part in it.”
Successfully stewarding JCA and the community through the recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chipkin ensured that crisis funding became available through the Jewish Emergency Relief Fund (a partnership with JewishCare) and then arranged the availability of $18M to ensure that programs and services were still able to be delivered by JCA’s 23 member organisations.
“Stephen has been a true leader of JCA and our community, I have big shoes to fill,” said Sandler.
Sandler is no stranger to JCA and the community having headed up the organisation from 2006-2013 and holding fundraising steady through the global financial crisis. Retiring from JCA he continued to serve on the Investment Committee until last year and is a Director on the Wolper Jewish Hospital Foundation and is Vice Chairman of the NSW War Memorial.
With a passion for mentoring young business professionals, Sandler is well-positioned to partner with and support JCA CEO Alain Hasson who stepped into the role late last year.
“When I originally joined JCA, I was looking forward to working with Ian but he retired shortly after I began working for the organisation. I now have the opportunity to engage with and learn from Ian for the greater good of our community – something I’m truly very excited about,” commented Hasson.
Sandler will commence his term after the final Board of Governors meeting of 2020, taking place on 24 November.
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President Lesli Berger said: “The JCA is the financial lifeblood of our community, and that necessitates having an astute and safe pair of hands at the helm. Ian is all that and more, and on behalf of the Board of Deputies I extend my warmest congratulations to both him and the organisation and assure both of our unwavering support.”
Considering the challenges ahead, Sandler added, “Being the President of JCA is always a challenging position – even more so now in the middle of a global pandemic. However, safeguarding our community, its programs and services and ensuring that our most vulnerable are looked after is a priority. I look forward to being part of the team that takes our community forward at this time.”
