Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg said, “In this vital leadership role, Melanie will guide our efforts to deepen the Federation’s measurable community impact, allocations, and enhance our strategic funding process. She will lead a lay and professional process to ensure that our work remains aligned and responsive with the current and evolving needs of the Greater Richmond Jewish community. In addition, she will coordinate all of our Israel and Overseas activities. including our partnerships with Hadera in Israel and Zaporizhya in Ukraine.”
Melanie expressed excitement about returning to the Federation, where she previously served as Young Leadership Director.
Melanie shared, “It’s truly meaningful to return to the place where I began my career, and I’m excited to work alongside the incredible Federation team to make a meaningful impact on both our local and global Jewish communities.”
Staffenberg added, “During our search, we looked for someone excited to align our grantmaking and funding with our mission. Someone who thrives on evaluating and delivering grants and funding programs that address the interests, needs, challenges, and emerging issues of Jewish Richmond, its agencies, synagogues, communities, and nonprofit partners. Melanie met those criteria and more.”
He continued, “Her deep understanding of both the fundraising and communal landscape locally and in Israel will position her for success and be a resource to our lay and professional teams. Her thoughtful approach and collaborative spirit will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our mission to care for the vulnerable, build a more connected Jewish future, and support Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.”
Before re-joining the Federation, Melanie served primarily in Fundraising and Development roles at BBYO, Union for Reform Judaism, and most recently at ImpactIsrael.
She earned an MBA/MA in Jewish Professional Leadership from Brandeis University and brings a deep passion for Jewish communal life, and a commitment to strengthening Jewish Richmond.