Sally Szuster is a communications executive with more than 25 years experience of supporting not-for-profit organizations. Through traditional and digital storytelling, she inspires deeper stakeholder engagement and strengthens brand reputation. She is currently Director of Communications at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. She previously served as Vice-President, Communications for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and held roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and The National Ballet of Canada.
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A seasoned not-for-profit executive, Dena has worked for a number of Jewish organizations, including 10 years at UJA Federation, and is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of the Azrieli Foundation. She has served on various community boards, including Beth Tzedec Congregation, where she was Chair of the Board. Dena has an MSW and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Yeshiva University.
Richard Cummings retired in 2016 as executive director of Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto after a 40-year career working with children and families. Prior to his ten years at Jewish Family & Child, Richard spent 18 years at Integra Foundation, a children’s mental health centre in Toronto. Twelve of those years were spent as executive director.
Richard has extensive governance and volunteer experience. He was a member and then president of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family and Child Service, prior to his tenure as executive director. His current and recent activities include support to Mt. Sinai Hospital, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation, Psychology Foundation of Canada, University of Toronto’s Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), where he serves on the Executive Committee. Richard received his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Toronto in 1985. Richard is grateful for the opportunity to support the important, compassionate work of Neshama Hospice.
Cindi Brand has extensive experience in the area of mental health and addiction. While raising her four children she volunteered for organizations that centred around children’s well-being. She served on the Board of Integra, supporting youth and their families who are dealing with mental health issues complicated by learning disabilities (LDMH). Cindi served as both chair of special events and vice president. When her last child went off to university, she returned to school and became certified as an addiction therapist, practising for 12 years at CAMH (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health). Cindi was drawn to Neshama Hospice after seeing the comfort and care her friend received while in a hospice. She is committed to serving Neshama Hospice to support the community, compassion and excellence that end-of-life care deserves. Cindi holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Journalism.
Mayeer Pearl is a CA and CPA, and an audit and assurance partner at Crowe Soberman LLP. He is a results-oriented, strategic business leader with a proven record of success, and can be relied upon to provide practical business answers as well as solid accounting and tax advice. Mayeer takes pride in his personal relationships with clients, and sees his role as that of a friend and trusted adviser to families and closely held businesses. Mayeer is board member and immediate past president of Associated Hebrew Schools, and a board member at JNF Toronto as well as the Julia and Henry Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Education. He is also a volunteer hockey coach with the Avenue Road Hockey Association. Mayeer serves as treasurer on the board of directors of Neshama Hospice.