Elana McGovern joins United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as director of Young Leadership Campaign
Amy Zelenka
Throughout her professional career, Elana McGovern has worked in non-profits and philanthropy, consistently centering her work on the essential Jewish value of tikkun olam, a commitment to repairing the world. This commitment has not only shaped her career but also her engagement within the community.
As a lay leader, McGovern served on United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division (YAD) cabinet, as well as on the leadership of the new YAD women’s giving circle, Adira.
McGovern and her family are also involved outside of Federation. They can be found at Ohef Sholom Temple throughout the year and her son is in fourth grade at Strelitz International Academy – further solidifying their commitment to the community’s future.
In her new role as United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s director of the Young Leadership Campaign, McGovern is eager to engage young adults (in their 20s, 30s, and 40s) and to collaborate with community members and organizations to ensure that YAD programs appeal to the diversity of the community and that all feel welcome. She will continue to build and strengthen programs which allow young Jewish adults to explore their Jewish and philanthropic values and will seek to empower and advance leadership development for a new generation of Jewish leaders. McGovern will also be soliciting input and ideas about the kinds of programs and activities that appeal to young Jewish adults in Tidewater.
It’s an exciting time for the Federation’s YAD program – a time of building, re-building, and envisioning a new future. Look for upcoming calls, emails, texts, and social media postings to learn what’s taking place with YAD and the Young Leadership Campaign. Stay informed. Get involved. There has never been a better time.
For more information on getting involved with YAD, contact Elana McGovern at emcgovern@ujft.org.
Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.