DALLAS — The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (JFGD) has appointed Donna Ostrower as chief development officer. A seasoned fundraising professional, Ostrower joined the Federation team on Dec. 1, filling the vacancy left by Mariam Shpeen Feist, who was promoted to president and CEO in August 2019.
Drawing on her 30-year career in philanthropic management, Ostrower will drive the organization’s annual community campaign, build relationships with major donors, and develop endowment giving opportunities — in support of 75 essential organizations that touch the lives of Jewish community members in Dallas, in Israel and around the world.
Having spent time in Houston, Ostrower is new to Dallas, but she was attracted to return to Texas after 14 years in California to seize the Federation opportunity — even in the middle of a pandemic. She brings an impressive resume of accomplishments in nonprofit, education and Jewish organizations nationwide. Highlights include her role as chief development officer for the Jewish Federation of San Diego County, executive director for the Israel Cancer Research Fund, and most recently, west coast director and national director of foundation relations for the American Society of the University of Haifa in Los Angeles.
“I view my work as a passion, not as a job,” said Ostrower. “My grandmother Lena, a Lion of Judah, introduced me to the power of philanthropy, and I look forward to honoring her legacy by using my expertise to help the Dallas Federation continue to find innovative ways to change lives — on my team and in the community.”
Partnering with community stakeholders, donors, volunteers and staff, Ostrower is poised to lead the Federation’s efforts to achieve and, perhaps, exceed its $10.5 million annual campaign goal — in an exceptionally challenging year ahead.
“We are thrilled to add Donna’s fundraising knowledge to the Federation family,” said Shpeen Feist. “She brings a wealth of experience leading development teams to success and producing results in a variety of urban Jewish communities.”
Ostrower holds a B.A. in education and special education from Goucher College and an M.Ed. in administration and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. She arrives on Dec. 17, and after a two-week COVID quarantine, she and her dog, Bella, are looking forward to exploring Dallas.
—Submitted by
Elaine Gantz Wright,
JFGD marketing manager
