Federation prepares for post Robert French administration at 112th Annual Meeting

By ALAN SMASON, Special to the CCJN

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans held its 112th Annual Meeting, the last for CEO Robert French as he prepares to say goodbye to New Orleans on his way to beginning duties as the Federation CEO in Dallas, Texas.

Outgoing Federation CEO Robert French, left, and interim CEO Sherri Tarr. (Photo by Alan Smason)

Chief Operating Officer Sherri A. Tarr, will take over at interim CEO over the course of the next several days, the fourth such time she has held that position prior to nationwide search being conducted for the next Federation CEO.

Outgoing chair of the Federation board Jonathan Lake received a special award from Brian Katz and incoming chair of the Federation board Melinda Mintz, who spoke about her connection to Federation and why her family ties matter so much in her decision to lead the board over the course of the next two years.

French also spoke before the small crowd at the Uptown Jewish Community Center, covering the many highlights of his career in New Orleans, which included strengthening the ties between Israel and New Orleans, especially after the October 7, 2023 attacks from Hamas.

French, who began his term with the New Orleans Federation in February of 2023, replaced the very popular CEO Arnie Fielkow after a nationwide search.

Brian Katz, left, Robert French, center left, Melinda Mintz, and Jonathan Lake smile after the meeting. (Photo by Alan Smason)

Formerly located in El Paso and in New Mexico, French had made New Orleans his home with unbridled enthusiasm. He had been expected to continue his term of office here, but surprised the board and the Federation staff with his announcement that he had accepted the CEO spot for the Dallas Federation in July. He begins his term of office in Dallas later this month.

French, a native of London, immigrated to the United States initially to enroll in studies of business administration at two California universities. Following graduation, he worked in the non-profit sector for 29 years at two synagogues – first at Stephen Wise Synagogue in Los Angeles and later at Temple Israel in New York City.

In addition to Mintz as the incoming chair of the board, the following slate of officers were approved: vice-board chairs: Susan Green, Kathy Shepard and Chuck Stern; Alice Yelen Gitter, secretary; and Randy Roig, treasurer. Matt Berger and Carrie Marks were elected as members-at-large for the board of trustees.