A Word from the CEO

In the immortal words of my esteemed predecessor, Nina Rone (who lead the JRB from 1994 – 2006), I bid you “Shalom and Shalom”! Shalom to let you know I have retired after 20 years as CEO; and Shalom to welcome Elina D. Babadzhanova who succeeds me as CEO.

In addition to welcoming Elina to the JRB, the Board announced the well-deserved promotions of Doug Spangler to Chief Operating Officer and Carmen Aviles to Administrative Director. Please join me in congratulating them!

For me, this is a bittersweet moment. I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my wife, participate in my local minyan, travel, hike in the beautiful Berkshires and volunteer.

At the same time, I'll miss the collegiality of working with the JRB's excellent Board and dedicated staff. Most of all I'll miss the daily interactions with you — JRB's participants. You are the reason I accepted the Board's offer to become CEO. My professional passion has been assisting people to plan, save and invest for a financially secure retirement.

Despite my retirement, you’re not getting rid of me completely! I have been named CEO, Emeritus, and have entered into a two-year consulting agreement with the JRB to ensure a successful transition and provide assistance to the Board, staff and you, our participants. 

I hope you have found the consultations we held together helpful, and I say Toda Raba for allowing me to guide you towards financial security.

Shalom and Shalom,