Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles Elects Evan Schlessinger to Chair Board of Trustees

Monday, February 8, 2021

The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) today announced that its board of trustees has elected Evan Schlessinger as chair. Schlessinger succeeds William R. Feiler, who completed his second consecutive two-year term as chair of The Foundation, the largest manager of charitable assets and planned-giving solutions for Los Angeles Jewish philanthropists.

President and Chief Executive Officer Marvin I. Schotland stated: “Evan Schlessinger personifies the outstanding attributes of dedicated leaders who have preceded him in this position. As a longtime Foundation donor, trustee and officer – including chairing our eminent Cutting Edge Grants Committee – he possesses deep institutional understanding. His active involvement in the broader Jewish and general communities speak to Evan’s commitment to service. And, his professional background brings significant value-added skill sets to The Foundation as we continue be a source of steadfast support in these challenging times.”

Schotland continued: “To Bill Feiler, we offer profound thanks for his energy and steady-handed leadership over the past four years and are fortunate that he will continue to serve as a trustee. On Bill’s watch, The Foundation’s charitable assets under management grew by $336 million to a record $1.43 billion, while our grantmaking during that juncture reached all-time highs, amounting to $495 million. Bill has been an invaluable counselor and sounding board to me and our management team as we have navigated the unprecedented needs resulting from the pandemic. On behalf of his fellow trustees, I offer our sincere gratitude.”

Incoming Board Chair Schlessinger added: “The Foundation’s success in providing customized philanthropic services for donors of all sizes positions it on the leading edge of charitable giving. It is an honor and privilege to serve as chair of The Foundation and, with all of our staff, fellow trustees and advisors, help to further The Foundation’s mission of strengthening the community through our grantmaking.”

About Evan Schlessinger

Schlessinger is president of the Springboard Company, a market research and consulting firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in the food and beverage industry and providing services to top manufacturing and retail companies. His work has been featured in the national media including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Newsweek, CBS This Morning, and The ABC Home Show.

Schlessinger’s prior service as a lay leader includes former executive committee member of the Jewish Funders Network, past board chair of Jewish Family and Life Media and a founding board member and past chair of the Los Angeles Jewish Venture Philanthropy Fund. He is a frequent speaker, facilitator and trainer on the topic of marketing for nonprofits.

A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Schlessinger earned his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He and his wife, Dana, reside in Westwood with their three children.

About The Jewish Community Foundation

Established in 1954, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles manages charitable assets of more than $1.4 billion (unaudited; Dec. 31, 2020) entrusted to it by over 1,300 families and ranks among the 10 largest Los Angeles foundations. It partners with donors to shape meaningful philanthropic strategies, magnify the impact of their giving, and build enduring charitable legacies. In 2020, The Foundation and its donors distributed $116 million to 2,700 nonprofits with programs that span the range of philanthropic giving. Over the past 12 years, it has distributed more than $1 billion to thousands of nonprofits across a diverse spectrum.