5 minute read
Meet Alan Zagier and Kayde Jones
Welcome to our growing team
By Nammie Ichilov, JFGN President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is thrilled to announce two transformative additions to our professional team this summer, marking an exciting new chapter in our organization's commitment to community advocacy, security and engagement. These strategic hires reflect our dedication to actively building a stronger, more vibrant future for Jewish life in Southwest Florida.
Alan Zagier
We are delighted to welcome Alan Zagier as our full-time Jewish Community Relations Council director, a position that represents our most significant investment in community advocacy and security to date. Zagier brings an impressive combination of storytelling expertise, strategic thinking and deep community engagement that makes him uniquely qualified to serve as the organized voice of our Jewish community.
With over two decades of experience in daily journalism, from the NaplesDaily News to teaching at the University of Missouri to working as a national correspondent for The Associated Press, Zagier has reported on everything from breaking news to complex policy issues, developing investigative skills and communication expertise that will serve our community exceptionally well.
Zagier’s qualifications extend far beyond his media background. His recent work as public relations manager at Priority Marketing has already elevated the profile of our Jewish Federation, including leading crisis communications after the outbreak of war in Israel.
His experience as a political consultant in both St. Louis — where he helped lead communications for two winning statewide ballot initiatives — and Nashville — where, as a vice president at Cooley Public Strategies, he managed comprehensive campaigns for healthcare, infrastructure and public safety initiatives — demonstrates his ability to navigate complex public policy landscapes.
What truly sets Zagier apart is his commitment to Jewish communal life. As a Rubin Israel Experience fellow with Jewish Federation of St. Louis, he has demonstrated his dedication to Jewish community engagement and Israel advocacy. His role in managing interfaith events showcases his ability to build bridges and foster understanding across diverse communities. Locally, he is an active member of GenShoah and MCA Next Gen.
Zagier’s academic credentials, including a master’s degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri University of Science and Technology, complement his practical experience perfectly. As our JCRC director, Zagier will focus on the five critical pillars of our community relations work:
1. Advocating for Israel and Israel education
2. Collaborating with K-16 educational partners
3. Combating antisemitism
4. Engaging in interfaith outreach
5. Partnering with elected officials
Kayde Jones
We are equally excited to introduce Kayde Jones as our new director of marketing and communications, a brand-new position that signals our commitment to sharing our community's story with greater impact and reach. Jones brings over 15 years of dynamic marketing experience and an infectious enthusiasm for community engagement that will help us connect with both existing and new audiences.
Jones’ recent role as director of Marketing & Communications at Jewish Federation of San Antonio has given her invaluable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities facing Jewish Federations today. Her experience creating social media campaigns, overseeing quarterly Jewish magazines, coordinating with multiple Jewish agencies and fostering cross-promotional opportunities makes her ideally suited to elevate our Federation's voice in the community.
What makes Jones’ background particularly impressive is the breadth of her experience across diverse sectors. From her work with Sendero Wealth Management, where she managed comprehensive marketing campaigns and led a full company rebrand, to her creative role at Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, where she orchestrated public relations efforts that resulted in television coverage and significant media attention, Jones has consistently demonstrated her ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
Jones’ expertise in digital marketing and social media management comes at a perfect time as we expand our online presence and engage with community members across multiple platforms. Her proficiency with cutting-edge marketing tools, combined with her proven track record in developing quarterly marketing calendars — creating weekly communications and managing crisis communication plans — will be instrumental in advancing our mission.
Perhaps most importantly, Jones brings a collaborative spirit and genuine passion for building relationships that promote Jewish identity and engagement. Her experience working with diverse lay leaders, volunteers and colleagues, combined with her "strong commitment to the Jewish people and Israel," aligns perfectly with our Federation's values and goals.
Building tomorrow, together
The addition of Zagier and Jones to our team represents more than just new staff, it represents our commitment to proactive leadership in an era that demands bold action. Together, they will help us address the rising challenges facing Jewish communities while amplifying our positive impact throughout Southwest Florida.
As we prepare for our busy fall season, we invite our community to join us in welcoming Zagier and Jones. Their combined expertise in advocacy, communications and community engagement positions us to not just respond to current challenges, but to shape the future of Jewish life in our region for generations to come.
The future has never looked brighter for Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and we couldn't be more excited to have Zagier and Jones leading us forward.
