Meet Stephanie Gitlin
Meet Stephanie Gitlin, Chair of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee
Federation is strengthening our role as Jewish Palm Beach’s “City Hall” and expanding our impact by implementing our new strategic plan. We are grateful to have Stephanie Gitlin, a member at large on the executive committee, serve as Chair of the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee. Here’s a chance to get to know her better.
Why have you taken on this role with the Federation, and how long have you been involved?
I have lived in several great cities (Hartford, San Diego and Charlotte) and have been involved with the local Federation in all those communities over the last 30 years. I have seen the importance of a strong Federation supporting the local Jewish community and Jews worldwide. When I moved to Palm Beach County in 2020 and became involved with Federation, I quickly saw the strength of its professional and lay leadership and was excited to deepen my connection. I learned so much about the strengths and goals of our Federation through my participation on the Strategic Planning Committee. As we toasted the completion of the plan with a glass of champagne, Michael Hoffman approached me and asked me to chair the Strategic Plan Implementation Committee before I even had my first sip! Michael is hard to say no to, but I was honored and excited to be asked; of course, I accepted the new role.
Why do you believe the Strategic Plan is so important?
The Palm Beaches is a dynamic Jewish community—it’s growing, the demographic is changing and the needs are evolving. Federation recognizes this, and as the hub of this thriving community, the leaders realized that a new strategic plan was essential to keep up with our growth and needs.
What is your vision for your role, and what are your top priorities?
My vision as Chair is to lead the committee and assist the professional team in implementing all the tasks outlined in the plan over the next three years. We will prioritize the tasks, create a timeline, hold the staff accountable for specific responsibilities and advise as needed. The Implementation Committee comprises lay leaders with vast experience and knowledge, and we aim to be as helpful as possible to the professional leaders in executing this ambitious plan.
What motivates you in this work?
When I served on the committee tasked with writing this plan, I saw the extensive process that went into creating an ambitious, important and achievable plan for the future of our Federation. However, a plan is only successful if it is executed. Otherwise, it’s just wasted words on paper and a waste of time and resources. I know it is Michael and his entire team’s top priority to implement this plan, and I am excited to be part of that process.
What’s a fun fact that people may not know about you?
I’m a podcaster for fun only! My college roommate and I started a podcast during the pandemic called Cornell (Thank) U. We interview alumni and current students from our alma mater about their Cornell experience and what they are doing now. It’s been almost three years, and we’ve interviewed over 150 guests. Connecting with my best friend and interviewing such interesting people has been a weekly joy. Many of our listeners didn’t even go to Cornell! It’s been a lot of fun.
