Biography

Lyn Light Geller is focused on developing strong organizations, courageous leadership and effective professionals in order to support thriving Jewish communities. Recently Lyn was named the associate executive director of the newly formed Community Resources team of UJA-Federation of NY which combines leading-edge strategies and resources to activate New York Jewish communities, non-profits and their leadership.

Earlier roles at UJA include executive director of the Wiener Center for Leadership and Learning and of Educational Resources and Organizational Development. In addition to developing numerous cohort learning initiatives and many leadership education programs, some examples of Lyn’s reach include: core team member designing launch of UJA’s Second Century (including production of centennial book, exhibit and TV documentary); key leadership of the 2002 and 2011 Jewish Community Study of New York; responses to disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy and the 2008 economic crisis; key planner for UJA’s 2000 reorganization ; development of initial organizational strategy for synagogue work; establishment of UJA’s archive at AJHS.

Lyn holds an MSW in CO and a certificate in non-profit management. Earlier experiences include Hillel director and national staff of USCJ; adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work and JTS; faculty consultant at Columbia University’s Institute for Not for Profit Management.

Lyn sits on several advisory committees to institutions preparing professionals for the field; is a special advisor to the president of JPro and is former publication chair of the Journal of Jewish Communal Service. She is past president and board chair of Congregation Beth Sholom, Teaneck, NJ.

Why I Serve on the JPro Board:

The mission of JPro aligns completely with the focus of my own work – just on a broader, national scale. Those who work in the Jewish not for profit sector need the visionary leadership that a national entity can provide and JPro provides that.