Y’s Men Membership News

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Hello, Y’s Men!

Welcome to Our New Members!

We are delighted to welcome two new members to Y's Men. Also this week, Clarence Hayes interviewed David Zale, who recently joined.

Ken Zita Joins Our Community

At Thursday’s meeting, I introduced Ken Zita as a new member. A Weston resident since 2007, Ken brings a remarkable breadth of global experience, having advised nearly 60 countries on national digital strategies—serving extensively as a prime contractor for the U.S. government and, most recently, with the Tony Blair Institute.

Ken is a Wesleyan graduate with high honors. His interests include cycling, hiking, gardening, spirituality, and DIY. He is passionate about global current affairs and enjoys engaging in thoughtful conversations about life’s journey. Ken lives in Weston with his spouse, Michelle Quigley. Peter Eyes referred Ken.

Membership Chairman Transition and Another New Member

Thursday, I also welcomed Harvey Luft as our new Membership Chairman. I encourage everyone to offer Harvey the tremendous support you have always shown me.

Harvey is already off to an impressive start, keeping our momentum strong by welcoming Michael Kliegman, another new member:

Michael Kliegman resides in Westport with his wife, Sally. He earned his AB from the University of Pennsylvania, JD from Boston University, and LLM from Georgetown University. Michael was a partner at PwC and now works part-time at Akin Gump. He received the ADL Community Leadership Award and was honored by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy in 2022. His interests include hiking, golf, and reading. Nabil Atweh, our incoming 1st VP, referred Michael.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Ken and Michael to our group. Let’s also support Harvey as he enters the membership role.

David Zale: Family Legacy, Personal Reinvention

By Clarence Hayes

David Zale

David Zale’s early life followed the footsteps of his family’s iconic jewelry business. His grandfather, an immigrant from Russia, founded Zales in 1924 in Wichita Falls, Texas, and built it into the world’s largest jewelry retailer. By the time David was four, he’d lived in four states as his father moved from store to store. The family settled in Great Neck, Long Island, in 1958, and David graduated from Great Neck South High in 1972.

Captivated by Boulder’s scenery, he attended the University of Colorado and earned a BA in Political Science in 1976. After two years in county government, he ran for University Regent at 24—the youngest-ever candidate for statewide office in Colorado. His loss led him to Boston, where he planned to open a Scotch shop. But first, his father persuaded him to try retail. What began with sweeping floors at a Zales store led to a 3.5-year apprenticeship and a promotion to merchandise manager in 1983.

He met his wife that year, as she transitioned from editing to medicine. She became a psychiatrist; their daughter was born in 1989.

In 1986, Zales faced a hostile takeover. David helped mount a rival bid with $1 billion in financing, but Drexel and People’s Jewelers prevailed and dismantled the company. David spent another decade in jewelry before deciding to leave the industry.

At 47, he pivoted to finance, becoming an equity analyst, earning his CFA, and founding Zale Capital Management in 2006. After 17 successful years, he sold the firm in 2023 but still works with longtime clients.

In 2023, David moved to Weston to be near his daughter and grandson. A devoted reader and long-distance walker, he joined the Y’s Men to connect with fellow readers, walkers, and peers as he transitions into retirement.

Click here to see the full version of the story.

Thank you to our president, the board, the membership committee, the finance group, and the communications committee for keeping me moving in the right direction. Thanks also to our members for your enthusiasm in bringing friends into Y’s Men.

Because of your energy, we’re thriving with 552 members. Y’s Men is strong in spirit and financially.

As I transition into the role of Speaker Chair, anyone interested in joining the Speaker Committee should contact me. I consider every member a valued contributor and welcome your ideas and suggestions as we plan engaging programs. Please let me know if you’d like to get involved or if you have any thoughts to share!

Continued membership growth is crucial for the club’s long-term health and financial stability. Do you have a friend who’d be a good fit? Share the membership application link with them.



We thank these Y’s Men who have referred new members during this fiscal year!

Warm regards,

Allan Siegert

Membership Chairman

Y’s Men of Westport/Weston

(203) 246-0385

News@siegert.us