Organizational Leadership

Leadership Team
Board of Directors

Leadership Team

Robin Mencher, Chief Executive Officer

Robin leads efforts at JFCS East Bay to support resilient communities through advocacy and comprehensive services. With a background in education and public media, she has worked to deepen youth engagement, media literacy, and educational equity in the Bay Area. A former teacher and education leader, Robin has contributed to regional and statewide education initiatives….

Robin leads efforts at JFCS East Bay to support resilient communities through advocacy and comprehensive services. With a background in education and public media, she has worked to deepen youth engagement, media literacy, and educational equity in the Bay Area.

A former teacher and education leader, Robin has contributed to regional and statewide education initiatives. She is active in the Jewish community and serves on several nonprofit boards.

Robin holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in American studies.
Jonathan Wang, Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan manages operations at JFCS East Bay. Before joining, he held leadership roles in nonprofits focused on early childhood education, mental health, and youth workforce development. Earlier, he worked in various roles at a major newspaper and began his career as a public school teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA.

Jonathan manages operations at JFCS East Bay. Before joining, he held leadership roles in nonprofits focused on early childhood education, mental health, and youth workforce development. Earlier, he worked in various roles at a major newspaper and began his career as a public school teacher.

He holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA.
Mercy Willard, Chief Development Officer

Mercy Willard joined JFCS East Bay in 2025 as Chief Development Officer. Previously, she led fundraising and engagement at a university alumni association and served on a local government commission. With over 16 years in nonprofit health organizations, Mercy’s work has focused on community partnerships, volunteer management, and diversity initiatives. She holds degrees in sociology,…

Mercy Willard joined JFCS East Bay in 2025 as Chief Development Officer. Previously, she led fundraising and engagement at a university alumni association and served on a local government commission.

With over 16 years in nonprofit health organizations, Mercy’s work has focused on community partnerships, volunteer management, and diversity initiatives. She holds degrees in sociology, nonprofit management, and educational leadership.
Robin Shelton, Director of Finance & Administration

Robin has over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, supporting nonprofit and other industries. She leads the finance department at JFCS East Bay, helping ensure strong financial management and a positive work environment. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree and enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, and theater. She lives in the Bay Area with her…

Robin has over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, supporting nonprofit and other industries. She leads the finance department at JFCS East Bay, helping ensure strong financial management and a positive work environment.

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree and enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, and theater. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.
Fouzia Azizi, Director of Refugee Services

Fouzia is a refugee from Afghanistan with extensive experience supporting refugees and educational programs. She has worked with international organizations focused on education and women’s rights and has helped establish schools for refugee communities. Since moving to the U.S., Fouzia has continued her education, raised her family, and volunteers with JFCS East Bay.

Fouzia is a refugee from Afghanistan with extensive experience supporting refugees and educational programs. She has worked with international organizations focused on education and women’s rights and has helped establish schools for refugee communities.

Since moving to the U.S., Fouzia has continued her education, raised her family, and volunteers with JFCS East Bay.
Rita Clancy, LCSW, Director of Adult Services

Rita is a licensed social worker with extensive experience supporting older adults and families, especially those affected by trauma and dementia. She has worked in medical social work and care management for over fifteen years and has been with JFCS East Bay since 2005. Rita holds a master’s degree in social welfare with a focus…

Rita is a licensed social worker with extensive experience supporting older adults and families, especially those affected by trauma and dementia. She has worked in medical social work and care management for over fifteen years and has been with JFCS East Bay since 2005.

Rita holds a master’s degree in social welfare with a focus on gerontology.
Allyson Holmes-Knight, PhD, Chief Program Officer

Allyson Holmes-Knight, PhD, is the Senior Director of Clinical Services at JFCS East Bay. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience, she is dedicated to expanding access to mental health care, particularly for communities of color. Allyson’s background includes clinical leadership roles and a private practice focused on supporting women of color….

Allyson Holmes-Knight, PhD, is the Senior Director of Clinical Services at JFCS East Bay. A licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience, she is dedicated to expanding access to mental health care, particularly for communities of color.

Allyson’s background includes clinical leadership roles and a private practice focused on supporting women of color. She holds a doctorate in psychology, with research centered on social support and mental health in minority youth. A Bay Area native, Allyson is passionate about community well-being and mental health advocacy.
Reena Arya, Director of Immigration Legal Services

Reena Arya is the Director of Immigration Legal Services at JFCS East Bay. She brings extensive experience in immigration and human rights law, with previous roles at national and international legal organizations. She holds advanced law degrees from Penn State and the Geneva Academy, and is deeply committed to supporting immigrant and refugee communities through…

Reena Arya is the Director of Immigration Legal Services at JFCS East Bay. She brings extensive experience in immigration and human rights law, with previous roles at national and international legal organizations.

She holds advanced law degrees from Penn State and the Geneva Academy, and is deeply committed to supporting immigrant and refugee communities through compassionate, expert advocacy.

Board of Directors

Sam Alcabes, President

Sam is an attorney specializing in real estate, land use, and small business law. A longtime East Bay resident, he is actively involved in his local Jewish and broader civic communities. He has a background in immigration law and continues to support related causes, including literary and legal advocacy for immigrants and refugees. Sam also…

Sam is an attorney specializing in real estate, land use, and small business law. A longtime East Bay resident, he is actively involved in his local Jewish and broader civic communities.

He has a background in immigration law and continues to support related causes, including literary and legal advocacy for immigrants and refugees. Sam also volunteers with various nonprofit and community organizations.
Stewart Florsheim, Vice President

Stewart has decades of experience in the software industry, where he led global teams focused on content development. He holds degrees in journalism, philosophy, and creative writing, and has lived in the Bay Area for much of his adult life. He is a published poet and editor, active in several community and nonprofit organizations, including…

Stewart has decades of experience in the software industry, where he led global teams focused on content development. He holds degrees in journalism, philosophy, and creative writing, and has lived in the Bay Area for much of his adult life.

He is a published poet and editor, active in several community and nonprofit organizations, including work in end-of-life advocacy and student mentorship. Stewart lives in the Bay Area with his wife and has two adult daughters.
Rachel K. Leff-Kich, Secretary

Rachel is a family law attorney with a broad range of clients across the Bay Area. Originally from Berkeley, she has long been involved in community and social justice efforts, including legal and nonprofit work during law school. She has served on several professional and nonprofit boards and remains active in civic and community life….

Rachel is a family law attorney with a broad range of clients across the Bay Area. Originally from Berkeley, she has long been involved in community and social justice efforts, including legal and nonprofit work during law school.

She has served on several professional and nonprofit boards and remains active in civic and community life. Rachel lives in San Francisco and joined the JFCS East Bay board in 2020.
Gary Forman, Treasurer

Gary has a background in both dentistry and business, with many years of professional experience in higher education and university administration. Over his career, he held various leadership roles in finance, operations, and campus services. He is an active member of his local religious and community organizations, where he has contributed to leadership and financial…

Gary has a background in both dentistry and business, with many years of professional experience in higher education and university administration. Over his career, he held various leadership roles in finance, operations, and campus services.

He is an active member of his local religious and community organizations, where he has contributed to leadership and financial committees. Originally from New York, Gary moved to California for graduate studies and has made it his home ever since.

He enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, sailing, and taking walks with his dog. He’s also on a lifelong quest to find great pizza and bagels in California.
Elizabeth Friedman Branoff

Elizabeth works in philanthropic development at a Bay Area university, where she focuses on advancing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. She has spent over a decade supporting programs at the intersection of business and social impact. Previously, she held leadership roles in the nonprofit sector and continues to serve on several community and organizational boards. Elizabeth…

Elizabeth works in philanthropic development at a Bay Area university, where she focuses on advancing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. She has spent over a decade supporting programs at the intersection of business and social impact.

Previously, she held leadership roles in the nonprofit sector and continues to serve on several community and organizational boards. Elizabeth lives in the East Bay with her husband and their two children.
Rabbi Julie Bressler

Rabbi Julie Bressler is the Associate Rabbi at a Reform congregation in Oakland and a native of the East Bay. She has long been involved in Jewish life and education, with a strong commitment to activism and community engagement. Her work as a rabbi is deeply rooted in justice, particularly around gender, sexuality, immigration, and…

Rabbi Julie Bressler is the Associate Rabbi at a Reform congregation in Oakland and a native of the East Bay. She has long been involved in Jewish life and education, with a strong commitment to activism and community engagement.

Her work as a rabbi is deeply rooted in justice, particularly around gender, sexuality, immigration, and housing. At her congregation, she leads social action and justice initiatives addressing a range of local and global issues.
Rachel Concannon

Rachel Concannon is a licensed therapist with two decades of experience supporting adolescents, women, and families. She spent many years working in Bay Area schools as a counselor and mentor and now maintains a private practice focused on life transitions and emotional wellness. Originally from the East Bay, Rachel is active in her local Jewish…

Rachel Concannon is a licensed therapist with two decades of experience supporting adolescents, women, and families. She spent many years working in Bay Area schools as a counselor and mentor and now maintains a private practice focused on life transitions and emotional wellness.

Originally from the East Bay, Rachel is active in her local Jewish community and enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking with her dog and connecting with family and friends.
Rena Davis

Rena Davis is a Bay Area native with a background in law, public policy, and government affairs. She has held leadership roles across the public, nonprofit, academic, and tech sectors and currently works in state government affairs. Rena is active in community and professional organizations and enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking with her two dogs.

Rena Davis is a Bay Area native with a background in law, public policy, and government affairs. She has held leadership roles across the public, nonprofit, academic, and tech sectors and currently works in state government affairs.

Rena is active in community and professional organizations and enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking with her two dogs.
Veronica Granillo

Veronica Granillo is an immigration attorney committed to expanding access to affordable, ethical legal services in the East Bay. Motivated by her own family’s immigration journey, she has dedicated her career to supporting immigrants through legal advocacy and community work. She currently works with a nonprofit organization focused on asylum and naturalization cases and volunteers…

Veronica Granillo is an immigration attorney committed to expanding access to affordable, ethical legal services in the East Bay. Motivated by her own family’s immigration journey, she has dedicated her career to supporting immigrants through legal advocacy and community work.

She currently works with a nonprofit organization focused on asylum and naturalization cases and volunteers with several local legal and immigrant rights groups. Veronica lives in the Bay Area with her family.
Penni Hudis

Penni Hudis has spent her career focused on addressing social and economic inequalities through research, teaching, and nonprofit work. She has taught at universities and supported organizations dedicated to education, healthcare access, and social justice. For many years, Penni has been active in nonprofit leadership and grantmaking efforts in the Bay Area. She holds degrees…

Penni Hudis has spent her career focused on addressing social and economic inequalities through research, teaching, and nonprofit work. She has taught at universities and supported organizations dedicated to education, healthcare access, and social justice.

For many years, Penni has been active in nonprofit leadership and grantmaking efforts in the Bay Area. She holds degrees from New York University and the University of Michigan.
Jeff Ilfeld

Jeff is a physician with a background in internal medicine and medical leadership. After years of practicing and mentoring in healthcare, he transitioned into clean energy work and now leads a company that helps nonprofits access solar power. He is passionate about the outdoors and committed to addressing climate change. Jeff is active in his…

Jeff is a physician with a background in internal medicine and medical leadership. After years of practicing and mentoring in healthcare, he transitioned into clean energy work and now leads a company that helps nonprofits access solar power.

He is passionate about the outdoors and committed to addressing climate change. Jeff is active in his local community and faith organization, where he has held leadership roles. He and his wife, Jo, have three grown children and live in the Bay Area.
Aliza Metzner

Aliza has a diverse professional background in product development, consulting, and event planning, alongside a long history of social activism and volunteering. She has led community initiatives focused on mindfulness, grief support, and wildfire preparedness, and serves on several local nonprofit committees. Aliza holds degrees in social psychology and business and enjoys sculpting and writing…

Aliza has a diverse professional background in product development, consulting, and event planning, alongside a long history of social activism and volunteering.

She has led community initiatives focused on mindfulness, grief support, and wildfire preparedness, and serves on several local nonprofit committees. Aliza holds degrees in social psychology and business and enjoys sculpting and writing in her free time.
Harris Mojadedi

Harris Mojadedi is a policy analyst at a Bay Area university, focusing on student affairs. Born in Fremont to Afghan refugee parents, he is deeply involved in community organizing and serves on several local nonprofit boards. He also holds a trustee position with a regional community college district, supporting education in the East Bay.

Harris Mojadedi is a policy analyst at a Bay Area university, focusing on student affairs. Born in Fremont to Afghan refugee parents, he is deeply involved in community organizing and serves on several local nonprofit boards.

He also holds a trustee position with a regional community college district, supporting education in the East Bay.
Sedique Popal

Sedique Popal immigrated from Afghanistan and has become a respected leader in the Bay Area’s Afghan and Muslim communities. As a longtime community organizer, he helped expand services at a local cultural center and built strong partnerships with community and public leaders. He is also a professor and educator specializing in language acquisition and multicultural…

Sedique Popal immigrated from Afghanistan and has become a respected leader in the Bay Area’s Afghan and Muslim communities. As a longtime community organizer, he helped expand services at a local cultural center and built strong partnerships with community and public leaders.

He is also a professor and educator specializing in language acquisition and multicultural education, with experience teaching internationally and receiving multiple awards for his work.
Marjorie Stamper-Kurn

Marjorie Stamper-Kurn is a senior consultant specializing in racial equity and organizational development. She works with organizations across sectors to build inclusive and values-driven programs and policies. Active in her community, Marjorie has supported equity and social-emotional learning initiatives in schools and local groups. She lives in Oakland with her family and enjoys traveling.

Marjorie Stamper-Kurn is a senior consultant specializing in racial equity and organizational development. She works with organizations across sectors to build inclusive and values-driven programs and policies.

Active in her community, Marjorie has supported equity and social-emotional learning initiatives in schools and local groups. She lives in Oakland with her family and enjoys traveling.