NextGen is excited to announce that Adam Klazmer will be our incoming Board Chair!
Adam is a true leader with a fierce passion and devotion for Jewish community and Israel. Growing up, Adam attended Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (formerly known as Akiba Hebrew Academy) and then became a lone soldier in the IDF. Currently an Associate of Klazmer Financial Group, Adam continues his leadership through philanthropy with a genuine understanding of the impact that we, as young professionals, can make on the generations to come.
In his eight-plus years of involvement, Adam has served in a number of leadership roles in NextGen and at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Most recently NextGen’s Ben Gurion Society Chair, Adam is a member of the Finance Committee and Committee for Israel & Global Strategy (CIGS). He is a founding member of NextGen’s new Levin Society and a member of the Jewish Federation’s Legacy Society.
Succeeding NextGen Board Chair Matt Shipon, Adam will officially assume the role at the start of September 2021. NextGen chatted with Adam to learn more about him, his new position and his relationship to the Jewish Federation:
What are three fun facts about you?
- My wife and I have an adorable (though socially awkward) rescue dog named Rudder.
- I love to grill and am always in search of new, interesting ways to make awesome barbecue.
- I'm third-generation in my family's financial services firm. In non-COVID times, I enjoy working closely with (and in close proximity to) my dad, uncle, brother, and cousin. I'm very much looking forward to being able to go back to our office full-time.
How does it feel being the incoming Board Chair, and what do you hope to accomplish during your term?
Being asked to serve as the Board Chair of NextGen is an honor and somewhat daunting. It means that a number of people within the Federation – both volunteers and staff – have placed their faith in me to steer the overall direction of NextGen. During my term as Board Chair, my first priority is for NextGen to rebuild. When we are able to again hold in-person events, I want us to be ready. Whether these events are social, educational, or mitzvah-oriented, all will be focused on building community. While NextGen as a whole has endured these past few months, these events will allow us to engage our membership and boost the size of our board, which will then allow us to focus on our long-term priorities.
Both the Executive Committee and the At-Large Board are made up of dedicated donors. These young professionals care deeply about NextGen, Federation, and the Jewish community as a whole. Without their support and hard work, the role of Board Chair would be infinitely more challenging. I am very excited to serve in this role and continue the incredible work of the Board Chairs who held the position before me.
How did you first get involved with NextGen and the Jewish Federation?
I first got involved through NextGen’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) in 2012-2013.
Throughout your leadership journey in the Jewish Federation, what has been one of your most memorable experiences? Why?
Frankly, just being part of the NextGen Board/Executive Committee. Over my time in NextGen, it has been incredibly inspiring to see the passion of young leadership involved in Federation. In NextGen, members have developed friendships and relationships. We have had inspiring conversations and we have had more light-hearted events. All of it, however, began with the passion that the young leaders have for the Jewish Federation and the Jewish community overall.
What is an organization, program or cause that the Jewish Federation supports that personally resonates with you? Why?
I am an alum of both Akiba Hebrew Academy (now known as Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy) and Ramah in the Poconos. The support that Federation gives to these organizations is near and dear to my heart. Also, I served as a lone soldier in the Nahal Infantry Brigade. In my role on the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy (CIGS), I have been an advocate for supporting all soldiers of the IDF, including lone soldiers. One of my priorities through my involvement has been, and continues to be, to encourage the Jewish Federation to support the IDF further.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get involved in NextGen?
Just get involved. Do LDP, go on Israel 360, join the Associate Board. Don't think too much about what is going to be the "right fit" - you will find your place in NetGen. You don't know who you're going to meet or what experiences you're going to have. I've met some of my closest friends in Philadelphia through my involvement in NextGen. But the key is to get involved.
NextGen is the young professional affinity group of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about NextGen, please email Max Moline at mmoline@jewishphilly.org.