JEF announces Bobby Garon as its new executive director
The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Lousiana (JEF) announced on Friday, October 19 that R. Justin “Bobby” Garon will assume the duties of its executive director, effective January 1, 2019.
“The entire Board of Directors, was looking for a visionary, experienced, successful leader with powerful interpersonal skills who will continue to grow this important community organization, serving as an ambassador and trusted partner with donors, potential donors, and Jewish organizations,” said JEF president Andrea Lestelle on behalf of the JEF’s Search Committee. “In Bobby, we found someone who exceeds all we hoped for.”
Garon will succeed longtime executive director Saundra “Sandy” Levy, who will retire after a term of office that has lasted for 27 years. Levy indicated she will remain with JEF during the transition period to ensure a smooth turnover.
Garon said that he is excited to begin this next chapter in his life. He has spent the last few months taking courses to earn the designation of Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, enhancing what is already an impressive resume of professional and non-profit experiences.
Garon has been a successful lawyer for the past 33 years, but is slated to retire from the practice of law at the same time he begins his new position with JEF. A member of Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation, he has previously volunteered as a board member or officer of Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, the South Central Region of the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Outreach Institute and the Jewish Federations of North America.
He currently chairs the group developing the Oscar J. Tolmas Louisiana Mikveh.
In addition to his roles in the Jewish community, Garon has served the community-at-large with significant roles on the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Foundation, the NORD Commission, the Trust for Public Land, the New Orleans Citizen Advisory Panel Commission and the Southern Institute for Education and Research.
Garon is married to Robin Levy and the two have two grown sons, Marcel and Emile.