WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM &
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER DO?
The Program & Development Manager
works to bring in cultural and
educational programming to the
Greater New Haven adult community.
I will also work with the affinity
groups, such as Women’s Philanthropy,
in an effort to join together
and integrate meaningful and
educational speakers, authors, artists and musicians
who can appeal to a wider audience.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN THIS ROLE?
I’m excited about building community through programming
and learning what new programming our
members want. By adding some new programming, I
hope to engage new participants who see real value
in all that we do in the Jewish community. Of course,
many programs such as the various cooking series,
authors and the Beckerman Jewish Film Series are
tremendously successful so keeping those going is
a priority. Most important are the committees I want
to build around our programming. I am looking for art
enthusiasts, avid readers, cooking enthusiasts, and
those who love education and music to join me in
developing communal programming.
HOW DOES YOUR LAY-LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
INFORM YOU IN THIS NEW ROLE?
I’d like to think that my lay-leadership experience has
prepared me well for my new role because I understand
what our synagogue communities want and
need from our Federation and JCC partnership. I know
that our vast population outside of Woodbridge may
not understand the full impact of how we can work together
and why, at times, being part of a larger Jewish
community can be a powerful and relevant experience.
Outreach is a priority.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING PLANS
COMING DOWN THE PIPELINE?
I am excited about our film series this year, and I look
forward to doing more programming on the shoreline
and partnering with our synagogues and agencies for
joint programming at their sites.
FAMILY?
Bill and I have two wonderful sons: Cal, who is 26,
and Adam, who is 19. One of our favorite family
pastimes is going to Red Sox games.
NOTE: Debra Gaudette resigned from her position with
the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Board of
Directors to join the Federation/JCC staff.