Submitted by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
The theme of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Annual Meeting this year was its people. And the emotional highlights of the evening were its volunteer and professional award winners: Jeff Zipkin, Louis Guttman, Jennifer Kash, and Cody Gamm.
They stole the show, with hugs and enthusiastic applause from the overflow crowd, who had gathered on May 17 for the Federation’s 127th Annual Meeting.
Courtesy of Susan Zimmerman.
Jeff Zipkin (third from left) won the Federation’s Nancy and Robert V. Goldstein “Volunteer of the Year” Award. (Pictured with (l-r) Jeff Goldstein, Debbie Brant, and Danielle V. Minson)
The Nancy and Robert V. Goldstein “Volunteer of the Year” Award recognizes the efforts of volunteer leaders who have made a significant impact within the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and on the broader Cincinnati Jewish community. This year’s winner was Jeff Zipkin.
A volunteer leader with an impressive and long list of positions in Jewish nonprofit volunteer leadership roles, Jeff Zipkin accepted the award graciously, telling the crowd: “This is really a moving moment. One of the best things about getting this award is how wonderful it was to meet all the people over the years at the Jewish Federation and the wonderful experiences… And lastly, every young person should go to Friday Night Shabbat!” This series of Shabbat dinners, held in partnership with other organizations, is his most recent of many projects he is dedicated to.
Zipkin is a long-time leader of our Jewish community. His quiet leadership has had a great impact on Jewish Cincinnati. He has held many positions from serving on the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s board to attending meetings with politicians advocating for funding of Rockwern Academy’s Curiosity Center.
The Jay Price Leadership Award honors exemplary volunteers who are actively engaged in both leadership and fundraising positions in Jewish Cincinnati. This year’s winner was Louis Guttman.
Courtesy of Susan Zimmerman.
Louis Guttman (left) was honored with the Jay Price Leadership Award. He is pictured with (l-r) Sue Price, Debbie Brant, and Danielle V. Minson
Louis Guttman accepted the Jay Price Leadership award with a touching embrace from Jay Price’s widow, Sue Price, which itself was received with applause. He spoke briefly, saying, “I can’t tell you how honored I am to receive this. I had the privilege of watching Jay in action, and he was the absolute best in leadership, volunteerism, and fundraising. It is an honor. If it wasn’t for Jay, I wouldn’t have accepted this; I don’t like the recognition. I am honored. Thank you.”
Guttman is also a long-time, generous leader with true commitment to the Cincinnati Jewish community, past campaign leader for the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Annual Campaign. He has either led or participated in many community-wide fundraising initiatives over the past 30 years, with incredible fundraising success. He has served on the board of directors for Cedar Village Retirement community, Adath Israel Congregation, and more.
The Harris K. and Alice F. Weston Senior “Avodah” Award recognizes outstanding Jewish communal professionals with more experience in the community. This year’s winner is Jennifer Kash.
Courtesy of Susan Zimmerman.
Jennifer Kash (left, pictured with Federation CEO Danielle V. Minson) won the Harris K. and Alice F. Weston Sr. “Avodah” Award at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Annual Meeting
Jennifer Kash has been an unwavering leader at the Mayerson JCC for over 12 years. Her career began in an administrative support but she quickly advanced to her current position as the Chief Operating Officer, where she has contributed to the J’s success for the last eight years. Kash’s contributions are too vast to count, but include developing JCC safety and security protocols, and leading key departments such as the Early Childhood School, Food Operations, and Facility Management. She has taken on every project and initiative that has been asked of her, and done it with grace and dignity.
The Harris K. and Alice F. Weston Junior “Avodah” Award recognizes outstanding Jewish communal professionals with less experience in the community. This year’s winner is Cody Gamm.
Courtesy of Susan Zimmerman.
Cody Gamm (pictured with Federation CEO Danielle V. Minson) won the the Harris K. and Alice F. Weston Jr. “Avodah” Award at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Annual Meeting
Cody Gamm began his HR career in 2014 working as a part-time intern for the Federation’s Shared Business Services (SBS) team. For over eight years Cody has served on the SBS HR team assisting with creating and establishing high quality HR services for a growing list of over a dozen local Jewish nonprofits. One of Cody’s strengths is establishing strong and trusted relationships with community agencies. He is passionate about advising various clients on how to handle ever-changing employment laws/compliance matters.
