For our final spotlight of 2024, we are delighted to feature the newly elected Executive Committee for the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies (FJP): Craig Z. Small, President; Jeff Bagel and Richard Steinberg, Vice Presidents; Penelope Howard, Treasurer and, M. Kim Babat-Yonaty, Secretary.  

Incoming President Craig Small is the founder of Small Law, PLLC, a law firm representing victims of serious injuries.  Craig is member of Congregation Shir Shalom, the 2023 Annual Giving Campaign Chair, as well as past Chair of Shir Shalom’s Life & Legacy Committee.  In 2011, he was the recipient of the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Anne and Meyer Richwun Young Leadership Award.  Most recently, Craig was recognized by the Erie County Executive’s Office for using CPR to save the life of a fan at a Rolling Stones concert.   

Vice President Jeff Bagel is the Managing Principal of eAdvancement Consulting.  He is the author of “Annual Fundraising Plans Made Simple,” a resource for fundraisers worldwide, just released in its 2nd Edition with new material (CASE 2024).  Jeff is a sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator at fundraising conferences in WNY and nationally.  Foundation other vice president, Rick Steinberg, is principal at RAS Change Consulting LLC where he provides leadership coaching to clients in a wide range of organizational settings.  He has served on various boards including The Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo and Temple Beth Am (now Congregation Shir Shalom).    

Treasurer Penelope Howard is a Senior Account Executive with ENGIE, a global energy infrastructure company. She specializes in helping higher education build strategies for the creation of intelligent buildings, energy efficiency, and integrated infrastructures working seamlessly together to deliver long-term sustainability solutions.  Finally, secretary, M. Kim Babat-Yonaty is an Attorney with Erie County Family Court, Associate Court Attorney to Hon. Deanne M. Tripi.  She is a member of the 8th Judicial District Gender Fairness and Diversity Steering Committees.  Highly dedicated to the Buffalo Jewish Community, she has been involved with the Buffalo Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center, and Temple Beth Zion.