After more than a year of exploration and contemplation, the boards of directors for the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix have unanimously voted to integrate the organizations into a single operating entity.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix have served the Phoenix community well for decades. The two organizations have complementary business models with overlapping missions focused on local Jewish philanthropy and support for a vibrant, enduring Jewish community.

The boards of each organization agreed that it is in the best interests of the two organizations and the community to join in an integrated, collaborative structure through the formation of a new entity.

“Of key importance among the board members of both the Federation and the Foundation when making this decision was the commitment to enhance Jewish philanthropy in our community,” said Jonathan Hoffer, chair of the joint task force. “The legacies of each organization will remain as we strengthen our community’s existing organizations, programs and social services.”

Richard Kasper has been named Interim CEO while the new entity is in formation and is intended to be named CEO once the new structure has been finalized. Marty Haberer has been named Executive Vice President for Donor Services, reporting to the Interim CEO.

“The intent of bringing these two Jewish philanthropic organizations together in one operating entity is to enhance our combined strengths and resources to better serve our diverse Jewish community in Greater Phoenix,” said Kasper. “We will honor the intent of our many donors and their belief in our common mission to support our evolving Jewish community.”

During the interim period, a new board of directors of up to 19 members will be seated. It is anticipated that the new board will be comprised of six members each from the current Federation and Foundation boards and three to seven at-large members representing donors and the community.