EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BIOS

LISA CYNAMON MAYERS | CO-PRESIDENT

Lisa Cynamon Mayers has been a lifetime member of NCJW. Her mom, an active member and former president of the Syracuse section, introduced Lisa to the NCJW world at an early age. Lisa grew up participating in NCJW events, sneaking food from NCJW meetings her mom held at their house, and “schmoozing with the nice ladies.”

When moving to Cleveland in 2002, Lisa knew that NCJW/CLE would be the ideal starting point for meeting and engaging with people in the community. She has served as VP of Membership, major meeting chair, and leader of other events and activities.

For the past 20 years, Lisa has served as a senior admissions consultant for Road to College, a Boston-based, boutique college admissions consulting firm. Outside of NCJW, Lisa has served as co-chair of the JCC Cleveland Jewish Book Festival and the Special Events Chair of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation board member. Lisa is married to Josh Mayers and the proud parents of two daughters in their 20s.

Lisa shares why NCJW is important to her: “Connection. NCJW has always given me a sense of connection to other women volunteers, a segment of the Jewish community, and the greater community. At every stage of my life, NCJW has given me a place to be involved and connected. I’ve made wonderful friends through NCJW and found incredible mentors.”

WENDIE FORMAN| CO-PRESIDENT

Wendie Forman has been a member of NCJW/CLE since 1996. As a member, she has served on the NCJW/CLE Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Awards and Leadership Development Committees.

She currently chairs the Personnel Committee. She co-chaired Threads of Love and Comfort, was Vice President of Fund Development and Co-Vice President of Social Justice and Advocacy.

Over the past 30 years, Wendie has worked in the non-profit and independent school worlds where she has applied her strong analytical and organizational skills with a proven project management orientation.

Her areas of focus have included: facilitation, leadership development, non-profit board, fund development, web content management, and human resources. Wendie lives in Pepper Pike with her husband Tom. They have two adult daughters.

ANN MARKOFF | VP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Ann Markoff has been a member of NCJW/CLE since 2020. During her time with NCJW/CLE, she has co-chaired Operation Warm Up, organized two program and education events (including the popular Inspiring Women speaker event), and served as a board member. She currently serves as VP of Community Engagement with Rena Wertheim, overseeing 15 committees/projects and expanding as new needs are identified.

Ann is an alumna of Mayfield High School. She earned a BS in Education at Kent State University and holds endorsements in Hard of Hearing and Transition to Work.  Ann began her career as a teacher for the hard of hearing in Dayton, Ohio, before working at the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center and Lakewood High School.

For 34 years, she served as a Job Training Coordinator for Mayfield City Schools, where she provided job readiness training and job placement for high school students with special needs, collaborating with local business partners. After retiring, Ann sought meaningful community involvement, which led her to NCJW/CLE.

She quickly jumped in and was  honored with NCJW/CLE’s Emerging Leader Award in 2022. Ann is married to Mike Markoff and they have two sons, Aaron and Evan. Aside from volunteering, Ann enjoys traveling and reading. When asked why she values giving back, Ann explains “Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”

RENA WERTHEIM | VP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Rena Wertheim has been a member of NCJW/CLE for six years. She currently serves as VP of Community Engagement with Ann Markoff, overseeing 15 committees/projects and expanding as new needs are identified. Rena is also an active volunteer with Share What You Wear and DigKnitty, NCJW/CLE’s knitting group. In 2022,  she was the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.

Rena earned a BS in Elementary Education with Special Education certification from Northern Illinois University and later received an MS from Kent State University, focusing on transition services for students with special needs. She also completed her Supervision & Administration certification at Cleveland State University.

Rena served as the Principal of North Coast Academy for at-risk high school youth and as a supervisor of teachers of the visually impaired and hearing impaired. Her last position before retirement was as the Program Director of Friendship Circle of Cleveland.

Rena has been happily married to Stephen Wertheim for 43 years. Their son Max lives in Columbus with his partner Jenny, and their daughter Judith lives in Cincinnati with her husband Aaron and son Alvin, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their daughter! In addition to volunteering, Rena enjoys reading, traveling, knitting, and cooking.

When asked why she enjoys being a member of NCJW/CLE, Rena said, “I love being a member of NCJW/CLE because there are many meaningful hands-on projects where I can use my time and talents for the benefit of women, children, and families in the Cleveland community.”

BERNA BADER | VP PROGRAM AND EDUCATION

Berna Bader joined NCJW/CLE in 2020. She has served as co-chair of the 2023 Opening Meeting, Volunteer Recognition and the Women’s Seder.

Berna is actively involved in the ongoing Coffee Connections, Legislative, and the Membership and Program and Education committees, and serves as VP of Program and Education. Berna is a Brooklyn, New York native and grew up on Long Island, NY.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Queens College, City University of New York. She started working in the nonprofit world working as a manager in daycare and later at theYM-YWHA of North Jersey, where she became Assistant Executive Director. Later, she served as Executive Director for several Assisted Living communities.

Berna moved to Cleveland in 2019 after her daughter’s family moved here; she knew she wanted to be with her family. Knowing no one in Cleveland, she was looking for a way to make connections and become involved in her new community. Enter NCJW! If you talk to Berna for even two minutes, you know just how much she loves her family: her daughter Stacey, son-in-law Mike and granddaughter Olivia.

Berna shares what she likes best about NCJW/CLE: “I so appreciate how welcomed I have always felt in any activity I have participated in. The passion members have for carrying out the mission of NCJW/CLE is simply admirable and remarkable.”

STEPHANIE QUARANTA | VP OF MEMBERSHIP 

As an active member at NCJW/CLE, Stephanie is VP of membership.  Stephanie was a corporate attorney for 15 years, working at Latham & Watkins in New York City followed by Jones Day and Sonkin & Koberna in Cleveland.

In addition to her work at NCJW/CLE, Stephanie volunteers with her children’s schools and sports teams. Stephanie is a graduate of Marietta College and earned a law degree at American University, Washington College of Law. She lives with her husband and two kids, Jonathan and Abigail.

In Stephanie’s words, “One of the things I like best about NCJW/CLE is how organized and committed each woman is to the work that they do. If a member commits to do something, then it will get done.”

SANDY BLUM | VP FINANCE

Sandy Blum joined NCJW/CLE after returning to Cleveland and retiring from a 39-year career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she advanced from staff associate to partner and worked in offices across the U.S. and the U.K. A graduate of Orange High School and Miami University, Sandy now brings her extensive financial and leadership experience to NCJW/CLE through her work on the Finance Committee and strategic planning initiatives.

In addition to volunteering with Share What You Wear and Children’s Books Stickering, Sandy serves on the boards and committees of several community organizations, including WomenSafe, the Newcomers Club, and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She lives in Pepper Pike with her husband, David Marik.

Sandy shares what she values most about NCJW/CLE: “What drew me to NCJW is the mission statement and seeing how it is put into action through carefully selected activities that truly impact the broader community. The volunteer-driven nature of the organization is amazing.”

ALLISON LEVINE | VP FUND DEVELOPMENT

Allison Levine became actively involved with NCJW/CLE after retiring in 2019, seeking meaningful ways to give back and connect with others. She quickly found a home in the organization, co-chairing events like the Annual Fund and the Winter Meeting featuring Chef Brandon Chrostowski —an experience she found deeply moving. On July 1, Allison will step into her new role as Vice President of Fund Development.

A Cleveland Heights native and graduate of The Ohio State University, Allison spent much of her professional career at the Jewish Community Federation, where she rose through the ranks to become department head for Campaign Operations.

She lives in Twinsburg and is the proud mother of Mara and Adam, and grandmother to Leia and Mallory. Allison also volunteers for the Jewish Federation and supports InMotion, a cause close to her heart, by organizing a team to raise funds for Parkinson’s programs.

Reflecting on her NCJW/CLE experience, she shares, “The women of NCJW work with the same passion that I do. I feel very lucky to be part of this excellent group.”

JANICE HIRSHON | VP OF RETAIL OPERATIONS

Janice Hirshon joined NCJW/CLE in 2016, shortly after relocating to Cleveland from Boston in search of both community and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Since then, she has brought her warmth and leadership to a wide range of NCJW/CLE programs.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Merrick, Long Island, Janice earned a BS in Speech Pathology from SUNY Albany and a Master’s in Special Education from Indiana University. Her professional journey spanned eight states, beginning with a decade as a speech pathologist, followed by 33 years in special education.

Janice lives in Cleveland with her husband, Arnold, a retired University Librarian and administrator. They are the proud parents of two sons: Daniel (married to Niki, with son Jaxson) who lives in South Orange, New Jersey, and Mike (married to Robin, with daughter Nina) who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

At present, Janice is VP of Retail Operation, co-chair of TLC, chair of the Awards Committee, and co-chair of Partnership Shabbat . Janice serves as Co- VP Membership of Women of Mishkan Or and is an honorary director of Council Gardens. She is also a longtime volunteer at both the Ronald McDonald House and Judson Manor.

Delivering new clothing and comfort items to area hospitals through NCJW/CLE’s partnership with SANE nurses remains one of Janice’s most memorable and moving experiences. She shares, “I love working with passionate, dedicated women to help make the world a better place!”

JODI JACKSON | VP SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY

Jodi Jackson started her professional career as a high school social science educator, and since 1999, has worked in corporate training and professional development for Progressive Insurance.

She joined NCJW/CLE in 2019 because she wanted to collaborate with others who are champions of more progressive approaches to improving and strengthening our community—especially with more marginalized communities. She currently serves as Co-Vice President of Social Justice and Advocacy.

In the past, she co-chaired the Protecting and Promoting the Vote Committee and helped with the State Advocacy and Legislation committee — connecting with state lawmakers to let them know our position on key issues.

Jodi is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master of Education Degree from George Mason University. The Cleveland native lives in Solon with her husband, Tom Jackson. They are parents to two adult children, Sari and Alex.

CYNTHIA TANCER | VP SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY

Cynthia Tancer is a former business professional turned nonprofit consultant and dedicated community advocate. She spent 16 years with AmeriMark Holdings, a direct marketing company. During this time, she co-founded Citizens Leadership Academy (CLA) with Shelly Saltzman, opening the first school in August 2011 as part of the Breakthrough Public Schools Network.  Together, they grew CLA to three schools serving the Cleveland community.

In 2021, Cynthia co-founded Honesty for Ohio Education, with a group of concerned parents, an organization committed to advocating for honest and inclusive education for all Ohio students and families. Today, she consults with urban schools and nonprofits.  Cynthia also serves on the boards of Future Ready Cleveland, Teach for America Ohio, and the National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland.

Cynthia has three children and is the proud grandmother of a grandson. Josh and his wife, Catherine, live in Atlanta with their son, and Eric lives in Brooklyn. She resides in Shaker Heights with her husband, Louis Giesler.

RONNA KAPLAN | RECORDING SECRETARY

Ronna Kaplan joined NCJW/CLE after retiring from a long and distinguished career in music therapy, seeking meaningful ways to give back that aligned with her passions and experience. Drawn by the mission and wide range of volunteer opportunities, Ronna quickly became an engaged member, co-chairing the Reading Buddies program for three years, co-chairing Focus on Foster Care, co-chairing Caring Friends, and serving on the LiveSpecial Committee. She is a past recipient of the Arlene Pritcher Award.

A Cleveland Heights native, Ronna holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and Music Education from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Kent State University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. Her professional journey included more than 30 years at The Music Settlement, where she served as Chair of the Center for Music Therapy. She also held faculty roles at Cleveland State University and served as a national consultant and journal editor in the field.

Ronna lives in Little Italy with her husband, David Biegel. She is the proud mother of Zachary, Erin, and Geoffrey, and grandmother to Alana, JJ, Annabel, Sage, and Brianna.

In addition to her work with NCJW/CLE, Ronna plays piccolo and flute with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra, serves as co-president of Women of Mishkan Or, and previously sat on the board of Milestones Autism Resources. Ronna is active with Greater Cleveland Congregations and the Jewish Federation.

Reflecting on her NCJW/CLE experience, Ronna shares, “What I like best about NCJW/CLE is the diversity of opportunities to make a difference, and to learn! It has broadened my circles and strengthened many relationships I value.”

LAURA VEXLER | STATE POLICY ADVOCATE

Laura Vexler joined NCJW/CLE after being inspired by fellow member Heather Schlang, first getting involved through Building Bridges with Books and SWYW. Laura quickly expanded her involvement to include advocacy work. Laura sits on the social justice and advocacy committee cabinet and heads up all of the organization’s legislative outreach. She also serves as State Policy Advocate.

Originally from New York, Laura moved to Cleveland seeking a better quality of life. She now resides in Moreland Hills. Laura is a graduate of Great Neck North High School, Wellesley College, and NYU Law School, where she earned both her JD and LLM in Taxation. She worked as an attorney at Shearman & Sterling in New York City before relocating to Northeast Ohio.

Laura and her husband, Dr. David Vexler, an OB/GYN, have three children: Caroline, an environmentalist; Jonathan, a software engineer; and Zachary, a materials science engineer.

Beyond NCJW/CLE, Laura actively volunteers with the Jewish Federation, serving on the CRC and Endowment Committees and having chaired the Community Study on Reproductive Rights. She is also involved with AIPAC, the Wellesley Alum Club, and sits on the board of AJC Cleveland.

Laura brings passion and commitment to every project she touches, and NCJW/CLE is proud to have her as part of its mission-driven community.

BARBARA FRIEDMAN YAKSIC |PARLIAMENTARIAN  

Barbara Friedman Yaksic joined NCJW/CLE in 2017. At NCJW/CLE,  she is a member of both the Board and Executive Committee, chairs the Personnel Committee, co-chairs the Bylaws and Policies and Procedures Committee and is co-Parliamentarian. She has co-chaired the Lois Zaas Advocacy Memorial twice, and served as the past co-chair of Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote, among other committees.

A native of Cleveland, Barbara is a graduate of Beachwood High, Indiana University and The Ohio State University College of Law. Prior to retiring, Barbara practiced law and was a partner at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan and Aronoff (1981-2002) and McGlinchey Stafford (2002-2017). When she learned she was going to be a grandmother, she retired, deciding to volunteer to help make the world a better place for her granddaughter and and all children.

In addition to her work at NCJW/CLE, Barbara volunteers at Judge4Yourself (interviewing and educating the public about judicial candidates on the ballot in Cuyahoga County);  and  is on the Board of the Ohio State Bar Foundation (the charitable affiliate of the Ohio State Bar Association).

Barbara currently resides in Concord Township with her husband Michael. She is proud mom to David, daughter-in-law Christy , Sarah, son-in law Patrick. And Barbara loves spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren Madelyn, Sydney and Dean. Barbara shares what she loves most about NCJW/CLE: “Meeting the many wonderful volunteers and staff members to help make a difference, and developing wonderful friendships.”

ELLEN RABB | PARLIAMENTARIAN 

Ellen Rabb has been a dedicated member of NCJW/CLE since 2007. Her initial connection with the organization began with Designer Dress Days. Since then, Ellen has taken on various leadership roles, including co-chairing the DDD Fur Department, serving as co-vice president of communications, and acting as parliamentarian.

Ellen is an alumna of Shaker Heights High School. She pursued higher education at Cornell University, graduating from the School of Hotel Administration. After working for a few years in the restaurant and food industry, she switched gears, and received a law degree from Cleveland Marshall Law School. Ellen’s professional background includes work as a Guardian in juvenile and domestic courts.

Ellen and her husband Richard are the proud parents of twins Rebecca and Jonah. When not volunteering she can be found in her garden tending Dahlias, playing mahjong or canasta, or working on her farm in Western New York. Ellen, a former recipient of NCJW/CLE’s Emerging Leader Award, appreciates the focus, professionalism, and diverse talents of NCJW/CLE members. “Everyone fits together to achieve so much for women and families in Greater Cleveland,” she says.

DEBBIE JOSEPH | APPOINTED

Debbie Joseph has been a member of NCJW/CLE for more than 25 years. Throughout her time with the organization, she has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Vice President of Community Service and chairing Building Bridges with Books, Book Club, Reading Buddies, Readers Theater, Partners in Reading, Focus on Foster Care and the Personnel Committee. She has also served on the Finance, Investment, Awards, Communications, Fund Development and Strategic Planning committees, as well as the Wolf Award Committee, one of her favorite NCJW/CLE experiences.

A native of Beachwood, Debbie graduated from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1987. She began her career at JMB Realty Corporation in Chicago, where she worked in SEC reporting, retail accountant training and technical writing. Before returning to Cleveland in 2000, Debbie lived in the Chicago area for 15 years and served on the board of Temple Israel in Valparaiso, Indiana, including six years as treasurer. She has also served on the boards of Bellefaire, American Friends of Magen David Adom, Lifeworks Autism Services and Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.

Debbie is particularly proud of helping grow NCJW/CLE’s Book Club program from three groups to 25, including a boys’ group, and of the organization’s literacy initiatives, including Building Bridges with Books and GRADs, which supported expectant parents through literacy education. She and her husband, Steve, have been married for 37 years and are the proud parents of Mitchell, Brian (Lauren) and Emma. When she is not volunteering, Debbie enjoys reading, skiing, hiking, spending time with her family and, of course, a good book.

When asked what she values most about NCJW/CLE, Debbie shared: “The work is vital, but the women with whom I share the work bring me such joy. They share my values and make me feel valued every day.”

HEATHER SCHLANG | APPOINTED

Heather Schlang has been a member of NCJW/CLE for 12 years. Combining her work ethic, developed as an Ohio farm girl, and a degree in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College, Heather has worked to develop and re-engineer NCJW/CLE projects to meet community needs.

At NCJW/CLE, Heather has led the reenvisioning of Share What You Wear, which she chairs. For her work with Share What You Wear, Heather was honored with both the Federation of Cleveland Women in Philanthropy Irene Zehman Volunteer award and the Cleveland Jewish News Difference Maker Award. She is a past recipient of the Arline B. Pritcher Award. Heather resides in Moreland Hills with her husband, Brad. She has three adult sons, Andy, Sam, and Brian. When she isn’t volunteering, Heather enjoys playing tennis and hiking.

Heather shared why she loves NCJW/CLE: “I love NCJW/CLE because the organization provides opportunities to learn, to lead, and to serve and support others.”