Cheshire Local joins Birthright Israel Foundation as Director of Talent Development

BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION HIRES ITS FIRST DIRECTOR OF TALENT DEVELOPMENT

MOVE COMES AS A RESULT OF FOUNDATION’S GROWTH AND COMMITMENT TO DEVELOP CAREER TRAJECTORY IN AN EFFORT TO BE EXEMPLARY WORKPLACE

NEW YORK – The Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF), the organization that provides and builds the base of financial support for Taglit-Birthright Israel in North America, has tapped 14-year non-profit executive, Sarah Raful Whinston, as its first director of talent development.

In her new role, Whinston will focus on recruitment and career development for the organization, whose staff has grown to nearly 50.

Whinston’s appointment comes as the Foundation looks to attract not only the best and brightest stars in the Jewish world, but to also retain them and give them the tools to thrive. Creating this new director of talent development position enables the organization to dedicate the time and attention to each employee’s role within the organization, subsequently improving work and allowing opportunity for growth for the individual and the Foundation as a whole.

Whinston’s appointment is part of Birthright Israel Foundation President David Fisher’s objective of finding the best talent to serve the organization, and then investing in training and career development to nurture employees.

“When I became president I made it very clear that one of my goals for the organization was for us to become the best place to work within the non-profit sector – not just the Jewish non-profit sector. The core driver to success is having the right people in the right jobs, fueling their passions, giving them the room and resources to do their job,” said Fisher. “Sarah has a strong track record of staff development in the non-profit space and we are excited to welcome her to our team. She has created programs over her career that yielded tremendous results for the organizations she has worked with.”

Whinston joins BRIF from Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village (CPLV), where she worked as the executive director, supervising operations and programs for two camps and establishing the inaugural CPLV Camp Committee. In addition, she created CPLV’s first ever core values and subsequently directed an innovative recruitment strategy that resulted in seven new committees.

“I am thrilled to be joining an organization that is so dedicated to their mission and their staff,” said Whinston. “The Foundation raises the critical funds for a program that resonate with all Jewish people and not just elite donors. I look forward to using my skill set in helping develop a culture and environment that will bring success to our staff and our fundraising goals.”

Whinston received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and Jewish studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned two master’s degrees in Jewish communal service and public administration.

With the hire of Whinston, the Foundation will continue its focus on an invigorating work environment that celebrates family, personal time and flexible schedules for staff tasked with strengthening public awareness and support of BRIF and the Taglit-Birthright Israel program.

“In her new role, Sarah will look to, bring in external experts from a myriad of fields to teach our staff about topics ranging from customer service to Israeli current events and everything in between. This will have a great impact on our organization and it shows once again that we are investing in our individuals,” Fisher added. “We are changing the culture at our organization for the better and we are deeply devoted to that. This investment in our staff will not only be beneficial on an interpersonal level, but it will bring even greater success to our campaign. Supporting, nurturing and encouraging our staff will increase their motivation and accountability in reaching our fundraising goals and sending even more young Jewish adults to Israel. .”

Taglit-Birthright Israel sends Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26 to Israel to strengthen each participant’s Jewish identity. The trip aims to build an understanding,

friendship, and lasting bond with the land and people of Israel and to reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people worldwide. Since its inception, more than 400,000 Jewish young adults have taken part in Taglit-Birthright Israel from more than 66 countries, all 50 U.S. states, and from

nearly 1,000 North American college campuses.

In addition to Birthright Israel Foundation, Taglit-Birthright Israel is funded in partnership with the Government of Israel, Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency of Israel and Jewish communities around the world through the Jewish Federations of North America. For more information visit www.BirthrightIsrael.com.