Board of Directors
The Jewish Connection Network is a proud agency of The Associated and is guided by our board of community leaders.
Leadership
Lauren Ades (She/her)
Board Chair
Lauren Ades is the inaugural chair of the board of the Jewish Connection Network. An accomplished attorney at Pessin Katz Law, PA, and a devoted mother of two, she thrives on forging connections.
Baltimore-native Lauren’s journey from Emory University to New York Law School led her back home when a childhood friendship turned into a romance and eventually a marriage. Lauren’s leadership skills developed through her involvement with The Associated and her participation in National Young Leadership Cabinet.
She served as Chair of the Center for Jewish Education board, and now is honored to be serving as chair of the Jewish Connection Network. Together with executive director Addie Lewis Klein, Lauren aims to create a diverse, welcoming hub for Jewish connections. Beyond her roles, she embraces Peloton workouts, culinary creativity, and TV relaxation.
Board Members
Joel Chazen (He/him)
Officer
CPA & Director At BDO USA
Fun Fact: Favorite travel destination is Israel
Sarah R. David (She/her)
Officer
Prosecutor
Fun Fact: Sarah studied Japanese for six years, but has never been to Japan
Lisa Hackman (She/her)
Board Member
Chief Officer of Household
Fun Fact: Prior to her career, Lisa studied at the National Ballet School of Canada to be a ballet teacher
Deborah Harbuger (She/her)
Board Member
Social Work Faculty at UConn
Fun Fact: Works as a Yoetzet/Camper Care Coordinator at Capital Camps every Summer
Justin Harvey (He/him)
Board Member
Investment Strategist
Fun Fact: First time ever in Baltimore was during his interview with T. Rowe Price.
Rena Kates (She/her)
Board Member
Attorney
Fun Fact: Originally from Los Angeles, CA
Julie A. Levi (She/her)
Board Member
Attorney
Fun Fact: Loves cheering on the Ravens and the Orioles
Will Minkin (He/him)
Officer
Lawyer
Fun Fact: Has seen Pearl Jam in concert about 35 times.
Fran Pollack-Matz (She/her)
Board Member
Attorney
Fun Fact: Has traveled the world with my husband for six months
Annette Saxon (She/her)
Board Member
Development Consultant
Fun Fact: Believes that relationships are everything
Naami Schorr (She/her)
Board Member
Executive Coach
Fun Fact: Has the same birthday as her mother and grandmother
Marc Wernick (He/him)
Officer
Training Specialist
Fun Fact: Maryland’s only certified Mah Jongg instructor
Mitchell Whiteman (He/him)
Officer
Financial Advisor
Fun Fact: Was once an internet news reporter