of Buffalo Jeff Clark to Lead Hillel

Native Buffalonian, Jeff Clark, will carry on the tradition of supporting, engaging, and inspiring the estimated 1,500 Jewish students at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and other local campuses when he begins as Hillel’s new Executive Director this summer, succeeding Rabbi Sara Rich, who has led Hillel of Buffalo for the past six years.

Prior to joining Hillel of Buffalo, Jeff served as Executive Director of Temple Beth Zion. Jeff holds an M.B.A. from the University of Wyoming, Project Management certifications from Niagara University, and a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology. “It’s extremely exciting to be joining an organization that shares my Jewish values,” Jeff remarks. “I’m eager to share my love of Judaism with Hillel, help students connect to our traditions, and ensure they are safe to celebrate and live Jewish culture.” have great connections with the other students and will help Hillel grow.”

Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said, “I am delighted that Jeff Clark is taking on the role of Executive Director with Hillel of Buffalo. Under Jeff’s leadership, I’m confident Hillel of Buffalo can build on its strong and growing support for Jewish student life at the University at Buffalo and in the broader community.” Marc Adler, Hillel of Buffalo’s outgoing board president, added, “Jeff is a well-respected, experienced leader in the Buffalo Jewish community. I am confident that he will continue to build relationships locally and with alumni to sustain Hillel as a growing organization that is committed to providing meaningful experiences for Jewish students on campus.” Abby Schaal, a rising junior at UB, is a leader at Hillel and served on the search committee. She shared, “Jeff is very approachable and easy to talk to. I know he will

Hillel is also pleased to be welcoming back Macie Clawson as Director of Engagement. As an M.S.W. student at Daemen University, Macie brings a special focus on wellness initiatives that offer students a mental and spiritual boost. Over the past academic year, she was Jewish Family Services’ Community Partnership Liaison, supporting Hillel of Buffalo and Temple Beth Tzedek. Zoe Felber, the Springboard Intrapreneurship Specialist, will continue in her role for the second half of her two-year fellowship. Her projects include the Service Engagement Internship, which helps students plan community service projects for their peers, and a Greek council that connects Jewish students in sororities and fraternities, as well as social media and marketing.

If you know of a student coming to a Buffalo campus this fall, please contact shalom@hillelofbuffalo.org so that we can include them in outreach about upcoming events.