The Buffalo Jewish Federation is pleased to welcome new leaders for its Board of Governors.  This year’s nominating process was led by Steven Weiss, past president of Federation and included committee members: Steve Awner, Marc Brown, Iris Danziger, Brenda Feldstein, Brenda Freedman, Ezra Rich, Cheryl Stein and Kim Yonaty. In addition to the newest governors, the following individuals were reelected to the board: Jeffrey Blum, Iris Danziger, Jake Katz, Merredith Levin and Harvey Sanders. The current officers were also reelected to another one-year team.  They include: President Shelly Yellen, Vice Presidents Shawn Frier and Rise’ Kulick, Treasurer Marjorie Bryen, Secretary Ellen Weiss, and Immediate Past President, Leslie Kramer.

Today, we’re honored to spotlight three of our newest board members: Corey Auerbach, Ken Dauber, and Laura Wexler

Corey Auerbach

Corey is pro bono partner with Barclay Damon LLP facilitating pro bono activities with community partners including Say Yes to Education and the Bar Association of Erie County Bar. He also is co-chair of the firm’s Land Use & Zoning Practice Area, overseeing the work of 13 attorneys. Corey was a past member of the Jewish Community Relations Council’s Racial Justice Task Force and is the current chair of the Racial Justice Subcommittee (JEDI program). Corey is also a new member of Federation’s Campaign Cabinet. Corey and his spouse Meg have three children and reside in North Buffalo.

Ken Dauber

New to the Federation Board, Ken is an active member of the Young Israel of Greater Buffalo. He is Professor of English at University at Buffalo, specializing in American literature. He was instrumental in founding UB’s Department of Jewish Thought and served as its interim Director. Ken and his spouse Antoinette are the parents of three grown children.

Laura Cooper Wexler 

Laura is a Special Education teacher at Bornhava, an early childhood center for children with developmental disabilities. She previously worked for Buffalo Hearing and Speech. Laura earned her B.S. in Exceptional Education and Master’s in Creative Studies from Buffalo State College, SUNY. She is an active member in the Jewish community, most recently as a participant on the MOMentum Israel trip. She lives in Williamsville with her spouse Scott who she met at Camp Lakeland of 21 years, along with their son Zachary, daughter Lyssa, and two dogs Harry and Lou.