An organization does not exist in the abstract. Rather, it is the collective voice of a group of individuals—lay and professional—and the acts that they perform, both individually and collectively. And while this collective voice is the epitome of these individuals, it is important to remark upon these individuals, especially when they are new to the organization and thereby bring something new to it as well. In particular I want to welcome a new member of JOI’s Board of Professional Advisors (Rabbi Jason Miller) and four members to the President’s Advisory Board (Dr. Ivan and Melissa Bank, Dr. Richard and Patti Shlansky-Goldberg).

With the Banks coming from New Orleans and Dallas and the Shlansky-Goldbergs hailing from the Greater Philadelphia area, their participation reflects the continued geographic diversity of our organization. And Rabbi Miller, ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and working at Camp Tamarack in the Detroit metro area, reflects the diversity of communal perspectives of those who advise and support us. They all join JOI at an important time in the growth and development of the organization as we set out adjusting our sites on a new plan for strategic growth and development. And we welcome their contributions and their voices.