SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Jeremy Pearl will succeed Beth Sirull as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego and holder of the Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair, the JCF Board of Directors announced on Wednesday. Pearl was selected after a rigorous evaluation process overseen by an independent consultant.
Pearl has served as the Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer since 2005. During that time, he has overseen a significant strengthening of JCF’s financial and technology infrastructure. He has also led the expansion of the Foundation’s investment management platform offered to both fundholders and community nonprofits. His focus on service and building deep relationships within the community will drive the Foundation’s strong commitment to strengthening San Diego and Israel, according to the Board’s announcement.
In addition to Pearl’s appointment, the Board unanimously approved the promotion of Eli Landau to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Landau has served as the Foundation’s Controller and Director of Finance for 13 years. Under his leadership, the Foundation introduced industry leading technology directly benefiting fundholders and strengthening oversight.
Pearl and Landau will formally transition to the respective roles of CEO and CFO on March 15, 2024. At that time, Sirull will transition to the role of Advisor to the CEO until June 30, 2024. This schedule will provide for an orderly transition and an opportunity to acknowledge Beth and her achievements during her tenure at JCF.
Under Sirull’s leadership, since 2017, the Foundation reached new heights. Assets recently topped $800 million, an all-time high. In 2023, JCF facilitated grants for over $200 million on behalf of fundholders, the largest grant year in Foundation history. Sirull’s deep passion and expertise in impact investing have created opportunities for the Foundation to make a difference in challenging areas such as low-income housing, economic development, and homelessness.
Sirull has been dedicated to a seamless transition since last summer, when she informed the Board that she would not be renewing her contract in order to seek new adventures. The Board expressed appreciation to Sirull for her commitment and support throughout the CEO selection process, and the transition.
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Preceding based on a news release from the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego.