The Anti-Defamation League Mountain States Region was thrilled to welcome eleven new regional board members at its Annual Meeting on June 9, 2022. “We are delighted to welcome these talented new members of the Board to ADL,” said Scott Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director. “We are pleased and proud to be the beneficiary of their many skills and appreciate their deep support of our mission.”
Keep reading to learn more about these remarkable and dedicated community leaders.
Elise Barish – Elise has been a great supporter of ADL and has extensive experience as a volunteer in the community, including having been a trustee on the board of National Jewish Health, board member at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center and Melanoma Research Foundation, and a committee member at Rose Community Foundation and American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Elise shares, “I am very interested in ADL’s work on antisemitism, and I want to learn more about how to talk to students about Israel.”
Erik Bernstein – Erik is the Founder and Principal of Starwood Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm working with non-profits helping them to build capacity. He holds a B.A. in English Literature, and master’s Degrees in Hospital Administration and Business Administration. Erik has been an officer and/or board member of the Boulder Jewish Community Center, Boulder Jewish Community Foundation, Social Venture Partners and the Regional Safety and Security Initiative of JEWISHcolorado. Erik states, “I have a passion for social justice, and for diversity, equity and inclusion. I am a strong believer and supporter of No Place for Hate and I believe this program is more necessary now than ever.”
Robin Chalecki – Robin is an independent consultant in the non-profit sector specializing in executive leadership, fund development, and board governance. She is currently the President of the Emily Griffith Foundation and has held officer positions and/or consulted with Denver Public Schools Foundation, Food Bank of the Rockies, Wonderbound, COBALT, Mi Casa, and Project Angel Heart, among others. Robin’s community involvement is extensive and includes being the Board Chair of Judaism Your Way and a supporter of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado and The Delores Project. Robin holds a B.A. in Literature and Women’s Studies and has received advanced education and certificates in Non-Profit Finance and Entrepreneurship Essentials & Strategy Execution. According to Robin, “I have felt a connection to the work of ADL since I was a child growing up with a plaque on our wall honoring my great-grandfather as a founder of the Dallas branch of ADL. I also recently experienced the critical importance and impact of the No Place for Hate work when my kids experienced antisemitism at their school and ADL responded quickly and with great success.”
Anne Diamond – Anne is retired from a career in the media. She has continued to work on local and national political campaigns as well as for numerous causes. She founded the non-profit Safe Chicks to teach self-defense skills to senior high school girls entering college. Over 1,500 girls benefitted from trainings throughout Colorado. As a Lion of Judah, she has been involved in philanthropy at JEWISHcolorado. Anne has a degree in Education. She states, “Safety has always been a concern for me, whether it is protecting girls going off to college or countering discrimination towards any group. Joining the ADL board would help me to continue on that path and allow me to bring my passions to my board service.”
Steve Ehrlich – Steve is the retired Chief Deputy Clerk of the U.S. District Court and Adjunct Professor at DU’s College of Law. He was also a part-time consultant to the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System after retirement. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor. He is the long-time Chapter Advisor to Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at DU, and has served as the International President of ZBT, President of the Denver Tennis Club, President of the Nate Wasserman Camp Fund and has served on numerous other boards. Steve hopes to bring his “life experience and common sense to the work of the board and ADL.” Steve “admires the work ADL has done to make our community a better place to be.”
Gadi Eisner – Gadi is the Owner and Managing Partner of IS Art LLC, which brings to America high end artistic jewelry, religious items, and gifts produced by Israeli artisans. He holds a B.A. degrees in Political Science and Education. Gadi has been a member of JEWISHcolorado’s Israel and Overseas committee and an AIPAC board member. He states, “I feel I have the knowledge, motivation, means and time to educate and participate in activities that ADL promotes.”
Kevin McKenzie – Kevin is the Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion at Arc Thrift Stores. He aligns initiatives with business strategies and metrics focusing on people, policies, and practices that strengthen access and opportunity. He holds a B.A. in Humanities with a Minor in Sociology. Kevin was a wide receiver in the National Football League and the Arena Football League. According to Kevin, “I would like to become a member of the ADL Mountain States Regional Board to increase my ability to advocate for underserved communities. Being a member of the board will afford me the opportunity to combat policies, practices, people, and issues that are rooted in bias. It is my belief that education is the platform for systemic change and being on the board will provide me with the ability to support the development of anti-bias curriculum for students.”
Art Reidel – Art is a long-time engaged leader and supporter of ADL in San Francisco and nationally. Art has chaired and participated in a number of national committees of ADL and is a member of its National Commission and Global Advisory Council. He and his wife recently moved to Colorado. For over 40 years, Art has helped build and scale profitable businesses in the electronic design automation, pharmaceutical software, semiconductor, and communications industries. Art holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
Debbie Schwartz – Debbie is a Sr. Tax Associate at Alvarez & Marsal. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Finance, and Legal & International studies. She served as President and Treasurer of the Aspen Academy PTA and has chaired fundraisers and volunteered with Rylie’s ARK. Debbie states, “I am passionate about everyone having a protected voice and want the next generation to share this. We are in an era of so much false information and ignorance that it is critical to have an organization that stands up for the truth and integrity.”
Robert Schwartz – Robert is a medical doctor and the Goodstein Professor of Medicine/Geriatrics at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. He has recently retired from the Board of the Visiting Nurses Association and has been the Chief and/or Director of Divisions at Anschutz, the VA, and NIH/NIA. Robert is a member of the State Expert Taskforce on Covid-19 in congregate care facilities, Director of the CU Medicine Senior Clinic at Kavod, and on the State Advisory Board for the Selection of Primary Care Loan Forgiveness Recipients.
Peggy Warner – Peggy is the Children’s Hospital Colorado Chief Board Relations Officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Public Health. Peggy works closely with many community leaders through her work at Children’s Hospital. Peggy explains, “I have been an admirer of the important work of ADL for years. It is only now that I have the time to devote to ADL. When I take up something, I give it 100% and then some! I would be honored to be on the ADL board.”