By Rabbi Jason Nevarez and Robyn Spiegel in San Diego
(Photo: Beth Israel Quarterly)
It is with both deep gratitude and mixed emotions that we share that Lesley Mills will retire as Executive Director on June 30, 2027, concluding more than 20 years of extraordinary service to Congregation Beth Israel.
For over two decades, Lesley has been a beloved member of our staff and congregational family. Throughout her tenure, she has played an integral role in shaping Beth Israel into the vibrant, caring, and thriving community we know today. Her dedication, leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to our congregation has touched countless lives and strengthened every aspect of our community.
Lesley’s impact on Beth Israel is immeasurable. She has guided our congregation through periods of growth and change with professionalism, compassion, and deep devotion to our mission and values. Whether supporting our clergy, staff, lay leaders, congregants, or the many families who call Beth Israel home, Lesley has consistently led with heart, integrity, and a profound love for this community. Few individuals have shaped Beth Israel as greatly as Lesley, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.
While we know that Lesley has more than earned this next chapter and are excited for her as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement, we also know that she will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
As we look toward the future, we are committed to ensuring a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition. An Executive Director Search Committee has been formed and will begin its work in August. The committee is co-chaired by Dan Jones and Robyn Spiegel and includes Rabbi Nevarez, Meg Mandel, Meryl Maneker, Greg Markow, Robin Rubin, Wayne Schwartz, and Buddy Voit. The committee’s goal is to identify and recommend an outstanding leader who will build upon Lesley’s extraordinary legacy, with the expectation that our next Executive Director will begin service on July 1, 2027.
We are grateful that Lesley will continue to serve as our Executive Director throughout the coming year, providing steady leadership and helping ensure a successful transition.
There will be many opportunities in the months ahead to celebrate Lesley, express our gratitude, and honor the tremendous impact she has had on Beth Israel and so many of us personally.
Please join us in congratulating Lesley on this well-deserved retirement and in thanking her for her exceptional service to Congregation Beth Israel.
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Nevarez is senior rabbi and Spiegel is president of the board at Congregation Beth Israel.