Physician

President, SVFI Board of Directors

Philadelphia, PA

As an American-trained physician, Dr. Kleppel has volunteered for more than a decade in Israel in the areas of health and trauma. She works on community-based fundraising for Israeli nonprofits from the United States, fueled by her understanding and unwavering passion for their missions.

As president of the board of directors of Skilled Volunteers for Israel (SVFI), Dr. Kleppel provides first-hand experience by volunteering in diverse initiatives to enhance SVFI’s success.

Dr. Kleppel received her medical training at The Chicago Medical School. She also holds a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health.

Finance and Investment Management

Treasurer, SVFI Board of Directors

New York, NY

Mr. Poteshman has held numerous prestigious executive management roles in finance and investment companies. He specializes in the quantitative analysis of data in financial markets. Mr. Poteshman previously served as professor of finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where his research focused on options and equity markets.

As a board member, Mr. Poteshman applies his financial acumen to the strategic and financial direction of Skilled Volunteers for Israel.

Mr. Poteshman holds a doctorate in finance from the University of Chicago, a doctorate in philosophy, and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Pittsburgh. He has a dual bachelor’s degree in physics and philosophy from Yale University.

Adjunct Professor

Member, SVFI Board of Directors

Philadelphia, PA

A former pulpit rabbi and Hillel Director, Rabbi Iser is currently an adjunct professor in the departments of Theology at both St. Joseph’s University and Villanova University. Each summer, he teaches at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Iser received his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. His earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Retired

Member, SVFI Board of Directors

Toronto, Canada

Mr. Hoffman served for 24 years as vice president of Emerging Markets for Gamma Dynacare Medical Laboratories. He led the organization in its drive to develop revenue strategies through the identification and sale of new tests, product offerings and business relationships.

As an active Jewish communal leader, Mr. Hoffman has served as president and vice president of Jewish National Fund (JNF) Toronto/JNF Canada; president of the Reena Foundation; president of the Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism in Israel; and vice president of the Kolel Legacy Fund (sponsoring educational programs presented by the Prosserman Jewish Community Center). He is a member of the advisory committee for Toronto’s Melton Educational Programme and vice chair of Facing History and Ourselves, Canada (the Canadian version of a United States parent entity).

Mr. Hoffman received his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

Retired Clinical Psychologist

Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Lowe is a retired clinical psychologist with more than 40 years of experience in public and private practice. Throughout his career, he worked in a variety of mental health settings, addressing a broad spectrum of psychological and emotional challenges with his clients. A primary focus for Dr. Lowe was the area of addiction treatment.

He continues to be actively involved in his community. Dr. Lowe has served on the boards of two synagogues, including a term as president at one of them. Additionally, he has held a board position with the BuxMont region of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

Dr. Lowe earned both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Retired, Computer Consultant

Member, SVFI Board of Directors

Toronto, Canada

As a computer consultant with more than 45 years of experience. Mr. Mednick has witnessed the evolution of technology from punch cards to mobile applications. He specialized in large-scale database management and report applications.

Mr. Mednick serves on the board as an SVFI alumnus, contributing both his volunteer experience and technical skills. Known as the Classical Music DJ in Toronto, Canada, Howard shares his passion for music through talks on classical music. He gives music talks to community organizations in Toronto and in Israel through SVFI’s original volunteer program.

Mr. Mednick holds a Master of Business Administration from McGill University, a master’s degree in economics from York University, and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from McGill University.

Retired -Educator, Marketing Executive

Marketing Executive

Denver, CO

Meryl began her career as a special education teacher, diagnostician and preschool director. After transitioning to marketing communications, she served in the healthcare, technology, manufacturing, education, and membership association sectors. Past clients include Columbia HCA, Colorado Neurological Institute, CIGNA, SuperShuttle, PeopleSoft, Oracle, McKesson, and Yellow Cab. She received three  awards from the Colorado Association of Association Executives for successful year-long marketing campaigns.

Meryl has been an active board member and chair of the Marketing and Public Relations committees for Seniors Inc., the Denver Birth Center, and Bayaud Enterprises, which focuses on work training. Her volunteer work includes support for Skilled Volunteers for Israel, Habitat for Humanity, the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center, the Business Marketing Association, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Meryl holds undergraduate degrees in both business and social sciences. She earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado in Denver.