Blog - Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Meet the Jewish Federation’s New Campaign Co-Chairs: Michele S. Levin and George J. Danneman, Esq.

Written by Jewish Federation Professional | Sep 23, 2024 6:27:49 PM

Michele S. Levin and George J. Danneman, Esq. have been named co-chairs of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s new Annual Campaign year, setting the stage for a strong start. Announced in August, Levin and Danneman bring decades of experience and a profound commitment to the Jewish Federation’s impactful local and global work.

 

Their focus will be on raising crucial funds that support the Jewish Federation’s pillars: Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future, Caring for those in Need Locally, and Supporting Israel and Global Jewry. 

 

“For me, contributing to and raising funds for our Jewish community is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Levin, who has led the Annual Campaign since 2022. 

 

Entering her third term, Levin is eager to invigorate community support. As president of MSL Consulting Group and a coach at BetterUp, she has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly within Jewish organizations. Her current extensive involvement includes roles on the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Campaign Team. Previously, Levin served in numerous positions in Women’s Philanthropy, chair of the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy, and member of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning Day Schools subcommittee. Outside of the Jewish Federation, Levin has served on boards of national organizations, like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel and Americans for Ben Gurion University, and local institutions, including chair of the Board of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy and numerous leadership positions at Har Zion Temple.

 

Reflecting on the past year’s achievements, Levin is focused on raising even more this year, emphasizing the growing needs of the Jewish community both locally and overseas.

 

“After a challenging year, we saw the power of our community, raising over $22 million for our Annual Campaign, nearly $16 million for our Israel Emergency Fund and over $25 million in endowment contributions and future legacy commitments,” Levin noted. “This year, we have a lot of work that needs to be done and we know our community will rise to the occasion: from rebuilding Israel to combating antisemitism in Greater Philadelphia to ensuring Jewish life is accessible for all who want it.”  

 

Danneman is an attorney at The Danneman Firm, LLC, specializing in commercial real estate, affordable housing, community development, business formation, government affairs and administrative law. A dedicated leader, he serves on the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors,  Executive Committee, Jewish Community Foundation Board, and previously on the Strategic Planning Task Force. He is also an alumnus of the Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet.

 

“It is an honor to serve in this role,” said Danneman. “At the Jewish Federation, we are here for our community, whether in crisis or calm, and our theme this year, ‘Here As One,’ highlights this unity.”

 

Danneman also underscored the importance of future planning: “As we look to expand our Annual Campaign, we are committed to growing our endowments and ensuring immediate response capabilities for emergencies.” 

 

Together, Levin and Danneman will propel the Jewish Federation’s mission forward, utilizing their extensive backgrounds and passion to drive change for the community. 

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MICHELE S. LEVIN

Michele S. Levin is the President of MSL Consulting Group and a Core Coach at BetterUp, specializing in leadership development, strategic planning and executive coaching. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly Jewish organizations, she creates tailored action plans to help individuals and teams achieve their goals. Levin holds a B.S. in Business and Economics from Lehigh University College of Business and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University.

 

Levin serves on the Jewish Federation’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Campaign Team. Previously, Levin served in numerous leadership positions in Women’s Philanthropy, chair of the Committee for Israel and Global Strategy, and member of the Center for Jewish Life and Learning Day Schools subcommittee. Outside of the Jewish Federation, Levin has served on boards of national organizations, like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel and Americans for Ben Gurion University, and local institutions, including chair of the Board of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy and numerous leadership positions at Har Zion Temple.

 

She is married to Robert and they have three children: Jacob, Samantha and Andrew.

 

GEORGE J. DANNEMAN, ESQ.

George J. Danneman, Esq. is an attorney at The Danneman Firm, LLC, specializing in commercial real estate, affordable housing, community development, business formation, government affairs and administrative law. His broad experience includes being Campaign Treasurer for several successful Gubernatorial Campaigns.

 

He serves on the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Jewish Community Foundation Board, and previously on the Strategic Planning Task Force. Previously, Danneman was a member of Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. 

 

Originally from Delaware, Danneman has an extensive background and involvement with the Jewish Federation of Delaware and its surrounding institutions, such as his service as Treasurer of the Board for Albert Einstein Academy. Danneman earned his B.A. from The George Washington University and his J.D. from Dickinson Law at Penn State.

 

He and his wife Lauren have four children: Elimelech, Michael (Mickey), Jonah and Miriam.

 

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Help the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Care for Those in Need, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Jewish Future by making a gift at jewishphilly.org/give.