Temple Beth-El welcomed its new Executive Director Damien Timms last year at the end of August.
Damien comes to Beth-El with an extensive, diverse background. Born and raised in Australia, he began his career in ballet, but an injury changed his direction to a 25-year career in administration, finance, and project management.
Damien has worked in a number of sectors including non-profit, government, and many private industries: automotive, aviation, LGBT community health, mental health, human resources, oil & gas, and even running his own bakery/café.
The common thread is his passion to assist others combined with an amazing work ethic.
Prior to coming to Richmond and Beth-El, Damien served as an administrator at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Kansas. He co-managed synagogue programs and calendars, led daily minyanim, planned and executed B’nai Mitzvah, High Holy Days, and their Chesed program (similar to Caring Crews), all while supporting multiple clergy, community organizations, and much more.
Damien loves music, Star Trek (and Wars), Agatha Christie mysteries, museums, galleries, coffee, food and wine, walking (to counter the food and wine), and he can’t wait to enjoy all the outdoor activities Richmond has to offer.
Damien just celebrated his 5th marriage anniversary and 19th year with his husband, Patrick. They have two Morkie (Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier) fur babies, Baxter and Bronson.
Contact Damien though the Beth-El website at www.bethelrichmond.org.
Damien is thrilled to have joined such a warm and welcoming Community and is looking forward to assisting the growth of Temple Beth-El Congregation.
Temple Beth-El is also thrilled to welcome its new Administrative Assistant Benjamin DaCosta-Kaufman at the beginning of December 2021.
A Richmond native, Benjamin celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth-El and is pleased to be rejoining the Beth-El Community.
Along with a deep and refined set of administrative skills, Benjamin brings a dual background in the arts and a fine tenor voice to the job. Benjamin has worked in community mobilization, higher learning, the retail sector, and the state government sector.
The Temple is grateful for Benjamins’ boundless energy and enthusiasm, as well as a commitment to supporting the enrichment of the Jewish lives of our Congregation.
He looks forward to working closely with our Congregation, School, Staff and Clergy.
