Our
Professional
Team

“It’s about being connected to each other through the act of caring and giving. Simply being part of something greater than ourselves.”

– Kathy R. Assayag, President & CEO

Our team is comprised of talented professionals from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. The advice we provide is focused on helping donors maximize their contributions, fueled by a deep sense of fulfillment that extends beyond our day-to-day jobs. We are committed to supporting the greater good of our community and beyond.

Professional Team Governance

Professional Staff

  • Kathy R. Assayag

    President & CEO

    Kathy joined the JCF in 2013. She began her career in finance with Deutsche Financial Services, where she spent 11 years in corporate lending...
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    Kathy R. Assayag

    President & CEO

    Kathy joined the JCF in 2013. She began her career in finance with Deutsche Financial Services, where she spent 11 years in corporate lending. She became involved in philanthropy in 2001 at Federation CJA and subsequently led the Combined Jewish Appeal Campaign to new records in participation rates and funds raised.

    From 2005-2011, she was both Vice-President Advancement and Alumni Relations at Concordia University and President of the Concordia University Foundation, where she led the largest capital and endowment campaign in the University’s history at the time. Kathy has served on numerous Boards and is currently on the boards of the Fraser Institute and Youth Fusion. She chaired the Users Committee at the Jewish General Hospital from 2015-2021.

    Kathy holds a degree in Economics and Humanistic studies from McGill University, as well as an Executive Certificate from Stanford Graduate School of Business in strategic leadership for non-profit organizations. She completed a certificate in Governance from McGill and the Rotman School of Management. She is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

  • Robert Kleinman, FCPA, FCA

    Executive Director of Estates & Trusts

    Robert (Bobby) began his career in philanthropy in August 1994, when he assumed the role of Executive Director at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal...
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    Robert Kleinman,

    FCPA, FCA

    Executive Director of Estates & Trusts

    Robert (Bobby) began his career in philanthropy in August 1994, when he assumed the role of Executive Director at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal. Renowned as Canada’s most donor-centric foundation, the JCF has been his professional home ever since. Currently, Bobby serves as a planned giving consultant, leveraging his expertise in this field to serve our clients. He is also Executive Director of Trusts and Estates.

    Prior to his philanthropic pursuits, Bobby was a taxation partner at Ernst and Young, where he contributed his knowledge and skills in tax-related matters. With a focus on tax-assisted giving, Bobby has authored numerous articles on the subject and published the JCF Gift Planning Handbook, which is publicly accessible on our website.

    Throughout his career, Bobby has actively supported Canadian charities in developing their planned giving programs. He holds notable positions such as Past President of the Conseil de la philanthropie du Québec, the Table Ronde du Québec of the CAGP, JIAS Canada, JIAS Montreal, and the Mount Royal Tennis Club

  • Joelle Mamane, CPA

    Chief Financial Officer

    Joelle has been with the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal since 2000. She is primarily responsible for developing, managing, and reporting on all systems providing financial and investment information...
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    Joelle Mamane,

    CPA

    Chief Financial Officer

    Joelle has been with the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal since 2000. She is primarily responsible for developing, managing, and reporting on all systems providing financial and investment information. Prior to joining the JCF, Joelle was a senior manager at a Big Four international accounting firm.

    Joelle received her Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McGill University and obtained her CA (now CPA) designation in 1983.

  • Linda Argalgi, CPA

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Linda joined the JCF in 2023 as a Philanthropic Advisor. She supports individuals and families in achieving their philanthropic goals using tax-efficient giving structures...
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    Linda Argalgi,

    CPA

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Linda joined the JCF in 2023 as a Philanthropic Advisor. She supports individuals and families in achieving their philanthropic goals using tax-efficient giving structures. She is the professional lead for the Innovation Committee and the PAC Committee.

    Linda began her career at Richter in audit and then specialized in tax for 13 years, where she advised clients on a variety of Canadian, cross-border tax, and international tax matters including personal tax planning, transfer pricing, corporate tax planning, reorganizations, tax audits, and objections. She has worked with a diverse client base, including high-net worth individuals and their corporations, family offices, and Canadian subsidiaries of multinational entities. Working closely with clients and other advisors, she helped implement tax-efficient structures and transactions to meet corporate and personal objectives.

    Linda is a graduate of McGill University and Concordia University, where she earned her B.Comm in Accounting and Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy, respectively. She also completed the CICA’s In-Depth Tax Course in addition to being a member of the CICA and Ordre des CPA du Quebec. She currently serves as a member of the Solomon Schechter Academy’s Finance Committee.

  • Howard Berish, FCPA, FCA

    Consultant, Philanthropic Planning

    Howard joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. He meets with donors and professionals to explain different tax-efficient strategies to minimize the after-tax cost of charitable giving while maximizing benefits to charities...
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    Howard Berish,

    FCPA, FCA

    Consultant, Philanthropic Planning

    Howard joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. He meets with donors and professionals to explain different tax-efficient strategies to minimize the after-tax cost of charitable giving while maximizing benefits to charities. He also plans, prepares, and presents seminars on charitable giving to various groups.

    Howard is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Quebec and has practiced in the area of corporate and personal tax planning for over 40 years.

    Howard received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University in 1975 and graduated from McGill University in 1979. He received his Chartered Accountants designation in 1979. He added the Personal Financial Planner designation in 2001. In addition to his work with the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal, Howard also provides tax consulting services to Baker Tilly LLP.

  • Lizzie Cody, MFA-P

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Lizzie joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. She supports families and individuals to achieve their philanthropic goals through efficient gift planning...
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    Lizzie Cody,

    MFA-P

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Lizzie joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. She supports families and individuals to achieve their philanthropic goals through efficient gift planning, as well as leading the JCF’s Life & Legacy, Mecenat Musica, and the Nova Grants programs. She is also the professional lead on the Governance and Nominations Committee.

    Lizzie moved to Montreal from London in 2022 after spending 7 years in the non-profit sector, during which time she managed a private family foundation and advised high net worth individuals on their philanthropy. She was also a senior advisor and consultant for a national UK charity, building their fundraising capacity and philanthropic strategy. Alongside her role at the JCF, Lizzie currently serves as a Director for the Room 217 Foundation: a non-profit focused on the use of music in care.

    Lizzie earned a Master’s degree, awarded with Distinction, in Philanthropy from the University of Kent (UK), and a Bachelor of Arts, awarded with Honours, in Literature and History from the University of East Anglia (UK). She is also a certified 21/64 Advisor, specialising in family philanthropic planning and next generation engagement.

  • Shirley Dayan

    Marketing, Communications & Events Officer

    Shirley joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. She supports and executes the marketing, communications, and event initiatives within the JCF...
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    Shirley Dayan

    Marketing, Communications & Events Officer

    Shirley joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. She supports and executes the marketing, communications, and event initiatives within the JCF. She is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies, managing brand consistency, executing digital marketing campaigns, creating engaging content, coordinating communication efforts, planning and managing events, and collaborating with various external partners.

    Her role aims to enhance brand awareness, drive donor engagement, and deliver successful marketing and communication initiatives to support the Foundation’s goals. Shirley worked in the non-for-profit sector for the last 15 years, mainly within Federation CJA, where she held functions that supported the Jewish community of Montreal and Israel. She began at The Jewish Public Library where she coordinated and launched the first North American PJ Library Program which quickly scaled up across Montreal. She went on to pursue her career in Federation’s Campaign Department in Women’s Philanthropy, where she led programs such as Lunch for a Bunch, Choices, and Montreal Challah bake, to name a few.

    Prior to working in the community, she held worked in the corporate sector. Shirley holds a Bachelor of Commerce from John Molson School of Business.

  • Wendy Grossbaum

    Finance Officer

    Wendy joined the Jewish Community Foundation in 2016. She is primarily responsible for managing all incoming donations to the foundation...
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    Wendy Grossbaum

    Finance Officer

    Wendy joined the Jewish Community Foundation in 2016. She is primarily responsible for managing all incoming donations to the foundation. She plays a key role in reporting on our investment portfolio and interfaces with donors in an exceptional way.

    Prior to joining the JCF, Wendy worked as a financial analyst at a multinational consumer goods corporation as well as volunteering at various charities. Wendy received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University and obtained her MBA from the University of Toronto.

  • Joel King

    Executive Officer

    Joel King practiced law for over twenty years, having established the law office of King & Haberkorn with Max Haberkorn...
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    Joel King

    Executive Officer

    Joel King practiced law for over twenty years, having established the law office of King & Haberkorn with Max Haberkorn. In 1999, the two retired from practice, and Joel began focusing his time and attention on community service. Alongside his professional career, Joel has spent a great deal of time volunteering for the community at large (McGill’s Goodman Cancer Research Centre, Hope & Cope, the Missing Children’s Network, the Jewish General Hospital Foundation), and for the Jewish community in particular (the Davis Y, the Shaare Zedek Synagogue and Federation CJA).

    He has participated in and led several missions to the Former Soviet Union and to Israel; co-chaired The March to Jerusalem in 1998; served as Chairman of the 1999 Combined Jewish Appeal Campaign, and as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation (2000-05), where he is currently an Executive Vice-President. Joel has worked on various Federation CJA committees and has served on both the Executive and the Board of Federation CJA. He currently co-chairs Federation CJA’s re: nous Committee. He and Marlene launched (and continue to sponsor) the PJ Library Program in Montreal.

    Joel earned his undergraduate degree in Science from McGill University in 1968, followed by a B.C.L. (Civil Law) in 1971 and an LL.B (Common Law) in 1972, also from McGill. He was subsequently licensed to practice law in both Quebec and Ontario.

  • Neilly Kornitzer

    Marketing & Events Officer

    Neilly joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. She helps support the marketing, events, and many projects of the JCF, including the Centre for Philanthropic Learning (CPL)...
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    Neilly Kornitzer

    Marketing & Events Officer

    Neilly joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. She helps support the marketing, events, and many projects of the JCF, including the Centre for Philanthropic Learning (CPL). She is responsible for planning, executing, and tracking events and marketing deliverables crafted for charities, professionals, and fundholders.

    Her commitment to providing quality, value-added services helps foster successful communication and engagement. Neilly is an experienced professional with over 15 years in the field of Marketing (B2C) including brand building and Marketing Strategy. She has worked on both the agency and corporate side of the industry, primarily for large corporations and most recently a US-based Fortune 500 consulting firm, helping manage events and marketing efforts for the firm’s technology division.

    Neilly holds a Marketing and Economics degree from Concordia University, John Molson School of Business.

  • Aaron Leibowitz

    Israel Philanthropic Consultant

    Aaron began his career in community-building and development at Yeshiva University in 2004. Upon making Aliyah with his family in 2014, Aaron joined Nefesh B’Nefesh as a senior consultant, providing strategic philanthropic planning and development services...
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    Aaron Leibowitz

    Israel Philanthropic Consultant

    Aaron began his career in community-building and development at Yeshiva University in 2004. Upon making Aliyah with his family in 2014, Aaron joined Nefesh B’Nefesh as a senior consultant, providing strategic philanthropic planning and development services. In 2015, Aaron became the CEO of the Sylvan Adams Foundation Israel, expanding the Foundation’s collaboration with high-level government agencies, local municipalities, universities, medical institutions, and innovative organizations and start-ups. Through this work, Aaron has developed a strong understanding of the intricacies of Israel’s not-for-profit sector, private sector leadership and ecosystems, and administrative and regulatory systems. He has used this vast experience to lead multi-million-dollar philanthropic projects, consistently advocating for his principals, assuring fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that their visions and interests are implemented at every stage of the initiatives.

  • Lindsay Lubov, CPA

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Lindsay Lubov is a Philanthropic Advisor at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal. Her work supports the JCF’s mission to foster generosity and strengthen the community through effective planning...
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    Lindsay Lubov,

    CPA

    Philanthropic Advisor

    Lindsay Lubov is a Philanthropic Advisor at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal. Her work supports the JCF’s mission to foster generosity and strengthen the community through effective planning. Prior to joining the JCF, Lindsay worked at an accounting firm for 8 years, specializing in Taxation. Lindsay is a graduate of McGill University (B. Com and CPA Program). She is also a member of the Quebec CPA Order and has completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Course.

  • Heidi Minkoff, CPA

    Controller

    Heidi joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. She works closely with the CFO on all aspects of accounting and finance...
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    Heidi Minkoff,

    CPA

    Controller

    Heidi joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2016. She works closely with the CFO on all aspects of accounting and finance.

    Heidi is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has over 15 years’ experience working in Public Accounting Firms. While working in audit, Heidi managed many NPO’s, including Schools and Synagogues.

    Heidi has been involved with various Organizations over the years including Federation CJA, YES Montreal, and Hebrew Foundation School. She has given accounting seminars for the Jewish Chamber of Commerce and developed an Accounting Clinic for YES Montreal. Heidi was the treasurer and currently serves on the Board and Finance Committees at Hebrew Foundation School.

  • David Ohayon, MFA-P

    Philanthropic Advisor

    David joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. He helps individuals and families achieve their philanthropic goals in the most tax-efficient manner through customized charitable giving plans....
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    David Ohayon,

    MFA-P

    Philanthropic Advisor

    David joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2023. He helps individuals and families achieve their philanthropic goals in the most tax-efficient manner through customized charitable giving plans.

    He is the professional lead for the Data Security Committee and overseas Grant Agreements for non-qualified charitable organizations. Prior to joining the JCF, David was a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for creating and growing successful companies. He founded several businesses across multiple industries and is looking forward to applying his wealth of knowledge and skills to further the JCF’s mission of promoting philanthropy and supporting its fundholders. David received a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance from Concordia University.

  • Lee Omer

    Grants Officer

    Lee joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2012. Lee is the key point of contact connecting donors to the worthy causes they support and sits at the center of all that JCF does as the professional who processes all grants...
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    Lee Omer

    Grants Officer

    Lee joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2012. Lee is the key point of contact connecting donors to the worthy causes they support and sits at the center of all that JCF does as the professional who processes all grants. Lee derives great pride from her work matching generous donors to community needs and has a deep appreciation for the vital role JCF and its donors play in sustaining and strengthening our shared future. She truly loves what she does and the people she works with.

    In addition to her work as Grant Officer, Lee also manages the Louise and Alan Edwards Foundation and assists with the grassroots grants.

    Lee completed her undergraduate studies in Israel at Tel Aviv University and earned a graduate degree from McGill University. Ever-smiling, Lee possesses an astute understanding of personal relations and individual philanthropic goals, has a strong work ethic, and holds herself to the highest standards of professional conduct.

  • Paolo Saldanha

    Executive Director, Sylvan Adams Sports Institute (SASI)

    Paulo Saldanha is a Canadian exercise physiologist, coach, and former professional Ironman triathlete, renowned for his significant contributions to the world of cycling and athletic performance...
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    Paolo Saldanha

    Executive Director, Sylvan Adams Sports Institute (SASI)

    Paulo Saldanha is a Canadian exercise physiologist, coach, and former professional Ironman triathlete, renowned for his significant contributions to the world of cycling and athletic performance.

    Saldanha’s athletic journey includes a successful tenure as an internationally ranked Ironman triathlete, where he honed his expertise in endurance sports and exercise physiology.

    In 1994, Saldanha founded PowerWatts, an innovative indoor training system designed to enhance cycling performance. Developed in response to the challenges of harsh Canadian winters and urban congestion in Montreal, PowerWatts integrates hardware, software, and coaching methodologies to provide a comprehensive and time-efficient training experience. The system has expanded to over 20 locations, reflecting its effectiveness and popularity among athletes.

    Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Saldanha serves as the Performance Director for the UCI WorldTour team Israel Start-Up Nation (now known as Israel–Premier Tech). In this role, he has coached elite cyclists, including Chris Froome, Dan Martin, and Michael Woods, utilizing his extensive experience and the PowerWatts system to optimize their performance.

    Saldanha’s collaboration with Sylvan Adams, co-owner of Israel Start-Up Nation and a prominent philanthropist, extends to various projects aimed at promoting sports excellence. Their partnership has been instrumental in advancing cycling initiatives and supporting athletic development programs.

    Paulo Saldanha’s dedication to advancing athletic performance through innovative training methods and his leadership in professional cycling underscores his influential role in the sports community.

    Paulo Saldanha is a Canadian exercise physiologist, former professional Ironman triathlete, and founder of PowerWatts, an innovative indoor cycling training system. He serves as Performance Director for Israel–Premier Tech, working closely with elite cyclists and leveraging his expertise in endurance sports to optimize performance. Saldanha also collaborates with the Sylvan Adams Family Foundation on initiatives promoting sports excellence and athletic development, reflecting his dedication to advancing the global sports community.

  • Dawn Tobenstein

    Client Services Officer

    Dawn joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2021. She oversees the scholarship program and works as a data analyst reporting to the accounting department...
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    Dawn Tobenstein

    Client Services Officer

    Dawn joined the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal in 2021. She oversees the scholarship program and works as a data analyst reporting to the accounting department. Prior to joining the JCF, Dawn worked as a programmer analyst for 30 years and volunteered for many charities. Dawn loves interacting with the donors and students daily. Dawn received a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Information Systems from McGill University.

Executive Committee

  • Francine Wiseman

    Immediate Past Board Chair

  • Anne-Marie Boucher

    Board Chair

  • Daniel Assouline

    Vice-Chair

  • David Martz

    Treasurer

  • David Amiel

    Secretary

  • Yossi Suissa, CPA, LL.M.Tax

    Member at Large

Board of Directors

  • Sylvie Amar

  • Stephen Bronfman

  • Raquel Castiel

  • Elisa Dahan

  • Mark Edery

  • Nathalie Elharrar-Noik

  • Chiara Fish

  • Mayer Gniwisch

  • Hillel Greenbaum

  • Stephanie Gutnik

  • Lindsay Hollinger

  • Miriam Roland

  • Michael Rosenberg

  • Albert Sayegh, CPA

  • Steve Sebag

  • Joel Segal

  • Marjorie Skolnik

  • Alon Wexler, CPA, CBV

Chairs of Committees

  • Danny Ritter, CPA, CFA

    Allocations, Investment

  • Richard Vineberg, FCPA

    Audit

  • Michael Etinson

    Data Security

  • Daniel Shapiro

    Data Security

  • Howard Stotland

    Data Security

  • Miriam Roland

    Governance & Nominations

  • Steven Sitcoff

    Innovations

  • Olivia Khazam

    Professional Advisory (PAC)

  • Shawn Rozansky

    Professional Advisory (PAC)

  • Elisa Dahan

    Marketing & Communications

  • Brenda Gewurz

    Marketing & Communications

  • Stephanie Gutnik

    Marketing & Communications

Honorary Presidents

  • L. Michael Blumenstein

  • Barry Clamen, FCPA z”l

  • Marvin Corber, CM, FCPA

  • Michael Etinson

  • Brenda Gewurz

  • Senator Yoine Goldstein, z”l

  • Stanley Hyman, z”l

  • Mildred Lande, CM z”l

  • Harvey Levenson

  • Boris G. Levine, CM z”l

  • Barbara L. Novek

  • Barry Pascal

  • Joel Raby

  • Robert Raich

  • Oscar Respitz, KC z”l

  • Danny Ritter, CPA, CFA

  • Miriam Roland

  • Gordon Schwartz, z”l

  • Joel Segal

  • Robert Vineberg

  • Francine Wiseman

  • Sheila Zittrer, z”l

  • When we were thinking about our financial and philanthropic plans, the JCF offered the expertise to help us provide for the future of our family and the community we love. They also offered something else – peace of mind. At this stage in our lives, it feels good to know we have a trusted advisor who cares about what’s important to us.

    Harvey & Alta Levenson

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