NCJW installs new board officers for 2026-27 at closing event
By BARBARA KAPLINSKY
The Greater New Orleans Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) held its Closing Event and Board Installation on May 31, 2026 at Touro Synagogue.
NCJW officers for 2026 – 2027. (Photo courtesy NCjW)
Highlights included a keynote address by Jeanie Donovan, the director of Public Health and Policy for the New Orleans Health Department gave the keynote address.
Donovan highlighted the significant challenges facing women in Louisiana and New Orleans, emphasizing that health outcomes are shaped not only by access to medical care but also by social and economic factors such as income, housing, education, and neighborhood conditions. She stressed the importance of addressing these underlying factors to improve the health and well-being of women, families, and communities throughout the region.
NCJW Co-Presidents Diana Mann and Susan Greenberg, whose terms don’t expire until 2027, thanked members for their leadership, dedication and partnership through the past year.
Greenberg singled out a few of the many NCJW successes:
- the presentation of an immigration and deportation panel discussion regarding ICE agent’s negative impact on our community, followed by many NCJW volunteers stepping forward with support for our immigration community.
- the annual Hannah Solomon Award Luncheon honored Leslie Jacobs for more than 40 years of dedication and commitment to the improvement of public schools.
- The NCJW’s Reproductive Rights Shabbat featuring Dr. Carol Roberts Gerson, who shared her extensive knowledge on Jewish sources on reproductive rights going back to biblical times.
- NCJW filing an Amicus Brief to the US Supreme Court in defending broad access to mifepristone along with 50 other faith-based organizations. .
“Driven by our Jewish values, we advocated for gender equity, reproductive rights, voting rights and championed social justice in the New Orleans area,” Greenberg said. “Through educational programs, legislative updates, and advocacy campaigns, we empowered our members to make their voices heard locally and nationally.”
Mann noted NCJW will celebrate its 130th year of service in New Orleans next year. She said NCJW anticipates an exciting year starting with welcoming three new community service projects to its portfolio – -Puentes New Orleans, NAMI and Guardians Institute.
“NCJW-GNO will continue to be a moral voice for justice and equality.,” Mann said. “We are proud of our accomplishments and promise to continue supporting the community we love.”
New officers approved by a slate were:
Vice President 2026-2028:
Sara Lewis
Recording Secretary 2026-2028:
Maureen Gershanik
Financial Secretary 2026-2027:
Loel Weil Samuel
Elected Board Members 2026-2028:
Susan Fielkow
Shayna Goldfine
Leslie Rau
Alanna Rosenberg
Delegates to 2026 National Event:
Gail Naron Chalew
Michele Gelman
Susan Greenberg
Diana Mann,
Carol Newman
Loel Weil Samuel
Kathy Shepard
Alternates:
Dana Shepard (1st Alternate)
Gail Fenton Pesses (2nd Alternate)
In addition to Mann and Greenberg continuing from their 2025 terms until 2027, the following officers were also elected:
Vice Presidents:
Leslie Fischman
Michele Gelman
Robin Goldblum
Carol Newman
Killian Philipson
Treasurer:
Kathy Shepard
Assistant Treasurer:
Tricia Kirschman
Corresponding Secretary:
Lilli Geltman Vohs
Ex-Officio Past President:
Gail Fenton Pesses (2023-27)
Ex-Officio Past President:
Gail Naron Chalew (2025-2029)
Honorary Vice Presidents:
Celia Katz
Florence Schornstein
Elected Board Members (2025-2027)
Ellen Balkin
Wendy Goldberg
Susan Hess
Baty Landis
Amanda Loflis
Jennifer Nierman
Jackie Stern Heide
The newly elected NCJW Board of Directors was installed by The Honorable Robin Giarrusso. The Hamotzi was conducted by Rabbi Lily Kowalski of Touro Synagogue.
