For almost 40 years I have been privileged to serve and lead as part of the Jewish Federation movement.  I discovered the power of community during my youth group experiences as a member of NFTY, and carried that into student leadership opportunities through Hillel at the University at Albany. By the time I graduated I knew what Jewish Federations were, and that they would be the right place for me to focus on building a career – one in which community, tzedakah, and service could provide a meaningful personal mission. 

I never imagined having started down that path that I’d still be at it, or that this path would culminate in a position of significant professional leadership in our continental organization, Jewish Federations of North America.  I feel blessed for the privilege of serving our Federations, our Jewish community, and our global people.  Now I’m at a natural transition point and it is time for me to explore new ways of growing and helping. 

I am pleased to announce the launch of my new consulting practice – Community Network Consulting, LLC.  Through this new practice I aim to continue helping organizations and the people who run them, leveraging my skills and experiences in new ways.  I will focus on the key areas where I believe I can add the greatest value – strategy, community development and organizational development.  And, when needed, I can also leverage hard-earned experience in emergency response to assist communities facing such challenges.  You can learn more at www.mgurvis.com. 

I also hope to start writing again. As CEO in Vancouver, following the example of colleagues, I started writing a regular community message and it became a wonderful vehicle for me to express myself and reach many people.  I’m not sure yet what I’ll be writing about, but there seem to be a few things happening in our world worthy of comment.   

You can reach me at mark@mgurvis.com, and my cell number remains the same – 646-254-2517. 

To a better year than the one we all just passed through!