Miles Leon
Serving as president of any board requires a commitment of time, mediation skills, funds and an abundance of patience. Meet the Presidents is a new Jewish News column that introduces these remarkable people who have accepted the challenge of heading local Jewish organizations and synagogues.
Miles B. Leon, president,
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Profession
President, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration,
University of Georgia, 1980
Masters of Business Administration,
University of Miami, 1982
Family
Married to Sandra Porter Leon
Two children, Erin Leon and Ben Leon
Jewish organizations
Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, past president
Jewish Community Center, member
AIPAC, member
Congregation Beth El, member
Ohef Sholom Temple, member
Temple Emanuel, member
Favorite Jewish holiday
Passover—What better time for family and friends to celebrate our freedom as Jews and set an example for the rest of the world?
Most memorable personal Jewish milestone
The bat and bar mitzvahs of our two children represent the most memorable Jewish milestones. For Sandra and I to have watched our children be a part of the Jewish continuity our forefathers designed is quite special.
Ties to the Tidewater Jewish community
My appreciation for my Jewish connection is rooted in growing up in a tight and nurturing community in Portsmouth, attending an undergraduate college that provided a remarkable Jewish secular experience, and of course having parents, in-laws, and a wife who have been so involved in Jewish causes and organizations.
Most admired Jewish leader
Moshe Dayan—made me so proud as a child to be Jewish.
What other positions have you held with UJFT?
Past general campaign chairman, finance committee member, Simcha committee member.
Why have you chosen to devote so much time to UJFT?
UJFT is such a wonderful place for me to help make this community a better place for
Jews to live and to help ensure that Jews flourish around the world and Israel. We have
a remarkable local Jewish community. It’s unique and I never forget how fortunate I am
in that regard.
What would you like people to know about UJFT?
I would like people to know how many people and organizations UJFT actually helps directly and indirectly. So many folks just do not have an appreciation of the wonderful role OUR federation plays in their community.
What are your goals as president?
My simple goals are to expand our base of supporters and help to explore how best to begin some much needed capital campaigns in the community. We need to make plans for the community’s future.