Charlene Seidle chosen as next CEO of JCF

Charlene Seidle discusses Book of Ruth  (Photos: Donald H. Harrison)
Charlene Seidle  at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School celebration

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego has selected Charlene Seidle as the Foundation’s next President and Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of outgoing President & CEO Marjory Kaplan in January 2015.

The selection was made after a national search that began this spring following Kaplan’s decision to retire after serving in the position for 20 years.  Seidle will begin her new role as President & CEO, Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair, with extensive experience in philanthropy in San Diego and in the national and international Jewish community.

As new President & CEO, Seidle will lead the largest grantmaking organization in the San Diego region with over $100 million in grants facilitated during the last fiscal year and nearly $1 billion granted since its inception in 1967. Kaplan has been the chief professional at the Foundation since 1994 and has helped it grow with several innovative programs for the community, most notably the Endowment Leadership Institute and family philanthropy initiatives.  During Kaplan’s tenure, the Foundation has come to be regarded as a model of outstanding governance.

Currently Executive Vice President at the Leichtag Foundation, Seidle has played a key leadership role in the development and implementation of Leichtag’s strategic framework; oversees grantmaking; has designed innovative and creative programs such as the North County Jewish Hub, Jerusalem Matching Grant Initiative, Jewish Food Justice Fellowship and others; and provides overall management and strategy development.

Prior to her work at Leichtag, Seidle worked at the Jewish Community Foundation in various roles since 1997.  While still an undergraduate student at UC San Diego, Charlene started her employment at the Jewish Community Foundation and assumed positions with increasing responsibility to ultimately become Senior Vice President at the Foundation.  She contributed significantly to building strong donor and community relationships. Most recently, Charlene has held a senior consulting role with the Jewish Community Foundation.

“Charlene is exceptionally qualified to carry on the important work of the Jewish Community Foundation,” said Jane Scher, Foundation board chair. “She reflects the best of our commitment to trust, competence and high quality service to the community.  Charlene has demonstrated success in so many areas of philanthropy, has a tremendous track record for innovation, and is the ideal person to lead the Foundation.”

Seidle was recently honored with the prestigious J.J. Greenberg Award, an international prize that recognizes foundation professionals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the field of Jewish philanthropy.  Seidle has served on the San Diego Grantmakers board and currently serves on the board of the Jewish Funders Network.

The search for the new President & CEO began under the leadership of past Board Chair Jeff Silberman in early 2014 and was directed by the Foundation’s Search Committee with the assistance of a national consulting firm. The committee was led by Barbara Bry with members including Edgar Berner, Emily Einhorn, Joan Jacobs, David Kabakoff, Larry Sherman, Jeff Silberman, Andrew Viterbi and Jane Scher.

Seidle’s tenure will begin January 20, 2015. Kaplan will continue a relationship with the Foundation in an advisory role.