Executives and Key Staff
Composed of experienced professionals and committed community leaders, our executives and staff bring an impressive array of experience and expertise to the table, covering such key areas as social service delivery, campaign development, marketing/communications, finance, data, engagement/outreach, and more. Together, this team works to meet the needs of our community, today and for the future.
You can reach JFFS staff members at 949.435.3484 except as noted below.
Arlene Miller, President & CEO
Arlene Miller joined the Jewish Federation of Orange County in 2016, after five years as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Shalom Austin, an association of organizations that includes Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service, the JCC and the Jewish Foundation of Austin & Central Texas. During her tenure at Shalom Austin, Arlene led the launch of the Jewish Foundation from concept to reality and directed a $25 million capital campaign. Arlene has also worked as Associate Executive Director of Hillel at UCLA, where she was instrumental in piloting innovative outreach programs that served as the basis for securing an $11.1 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to the national movement, and Executive Director of Silicon Valley Hillel. Arlene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in studied studio and an MFA in ceramic sculpture from Brandeis University. She lives in Irvine with her children.
Marsie Alford, Chief Financial Officer
Marsie Alford brings more than 25 years of accounting and finance experience to the Jewish Federation. She has most recently been an Adjunct Professor and an Accounting and Finance Consultant for such nonprofit client organizations as Union Station Homeless Services, Catholic Community Foundation, Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, and Human Options. Marsie has previously held Executive Finance roles for several nonprofits, including Make-a-Wish Foundation of Los Angeles, Southern California Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation, and East Bronx Daycare Center, Inc., in New York. She also served on the Board of Directors for James Varick Community Center in New York, NY. Marsie began her career as an Accountant and Financial Analyst for a top Fortune 500 company and later as a Financial Advisor. She holds a Bachelor of Science & Arts in Accounting and an MBA.
Accounting
Kay Williams
Accounts Payable
AP@JFFS.org
Community Partnerships / Relations
Kathleen Mellon
Senior Director, Community Partnerships
Kathleen@JFFS.org
Lisa Armony
Senior Director, Community Relations
Lisa@JFFS.org
Donor Services
Briana Starkman
Manager, Donor Services
Briana@JFFS.org
Jacob Francis
Database Analyst / Jr. Developer
Jacob@JFFS.org
Family Services
Cally Clein, LCSW
Director, Senior Care & Connect
Cally@JFFS.org
(949) 435-3460 ext. 359
Shelli Mire
Case Worker, Holocaust Survivor Program, and Data Entry Associate, MHSA Outreach & Engagement Program
Shelli@JFFS.org
949.435.3460 ext. 370
Marina Segal
Bilingual Caseworker, Holocaust Survivor Program
Marina@JFFS.org
949.435.3484 ext. 365
Lori Axton
Contracts Associate
Lori@JFFS.org
949.435.3460 ext. 357
Nancy Almaleh
Case Manager, Lifelines, and Referral Specialist, MHSA Outreach & Engagement Program
Nancy@JFFS.org
949.435.3460 ext. 366
Engagement
Cindy Smith
Director, Engagement
CJacobs@JFFS.org
Alexandra Mars
Director, Special Events and Volunteers
AMars@JFFS.org
Amanda Silverman
Manager, NextGen
Amanda@JFFS.org
Jillian Katz
Coordinator, Youth Outreach and Engagement
Jillian@JFFS.org
Marketing & Communications
Nitzan Harel
Marketing Specialist
Nitzan@JFFS.org
Philanthropy
Stephanie Epstein
Senior Director, Philanthropy
Stephanie@JFFS.org
Jahanna Semelroth
Manager, Women's
Philanthropy & Laguna Woods Region
Jahanna@JFFS.org