WENDY CHASE ARENSON, J.D., CSPG
Executive Director and President of the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County
wendy@jcfoc.org
Joining the Foundation in 2012, Wendy’s passion is community collaboration and donor engagement. Wendy led the implementation of both the Life & Legacy and Endowment Book of Life initiatives in Orange County, resulting in the creation of over 950 new legacy gift commitments, over 190% increase in assets held at the Foundation and a six-fold increase in grant funding.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Wendy completed her undergraduate degree at UC Irvine as a Phi Beta Kappa and was presented with the Community Service Award. Wendy attended Loyola Law School and interned for the Western Law Center for Disability Rights. Starting out as a prosecutor in Los Angeles, she worked on a variety of high-profile and public felony cases both at the District Attorney’s Office and as a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice, and she argued successfully in the California Supreme Court. While practicing civil litigation with an emphasis on appellate law for several years, Wendy devoted a great deal of time volunteering for a variety of different charitable institutions in Orange County and organized a number of Jewish cross-denominational, community-building events.
Wendy and her husband of 30 years, Lance, enjoy camping (ideally with a chef and a guitar) and traveling with their three children.
SHARON CHELOUCHE
Legacy & Grants Coordinator
sharon@jcfoc.org
Sharon joined the Foundation 2020. As Legacy & Grants Coordinator, she is responsible for supporting the Life & Legacy program and the Foundation’s grants program. Sharon’s background includes grant-making, marketing, event planning, nonprofit governance, and operations. Previously, Sharon worked at Jewish Federation of Orange County where she developed a deep understanding of the Orange County Jewish community and established relationships with Jewish institutions. Prior to moving to Orange County, she worked as a Program Coordinator and Research & Evaluation Assistant at the UJIA, a Jewish nonprofit in based in the UK. Sharon earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Policy from The University of Manchester, and her master’s degree in International Relations from King’s College London, University of London.
TAYLOR DAVIS
Donor Services & Database Administrator
taylor@jcfoc.org
Taylor joined the Foundation team in early 2017. As Donor Services & Database Administrator, he plays a crucial role in enhancing donor relations and managing the Foundation’s key software systems, including Foundant CommunitySuite, donor portal, and donation portal. His work ensures efficient & accurate handling of financial transactions and supports donors and organizations in achieving their philanthropic goals. With a diverse background in fund development, volunteer recruitment, social media, and event planning, Taylor brings a multifaceted approach to his role. His previous experience as an Office Manager at a career exploration company, and an AmeriCorps VISTA in fund development for maternal health initiatives reflects his dedication to community service. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UC San Diego and a master’s degree in political science from CSU Fullerton, equipping him with a broad perspective on social impact.
ANNE HROMADKA GREENWALD
Arts Program Curator, Albert & Rhoda Yvette Weissman Art Endowment
anne@jcfoc.org
As the founding principal of AMH Art Advisory, Anne Hromadka Greenwald has consulted with a select group of artists, non-profits, museums, and commercial galleries to develop their goals and increase their exposure in the public sphere and marketplace. As a result, she brings a solid foundation of 17+ years of professional arts management experience. Following her double Masters in Non-Profit Management from HUC and Public Art from USC, she established herself in the fine arts world and Jewish cultural landscape. She has directed commercially successful galleries, curated exhibitions, and designed large-scale events domestically and internationally. Her curatorial practice is rooted in a love for storytelling – bringing together communities to explore their narratives in the public sphere through interactive design. As a creator and organizer, Hromadka Greenwald has consistently contributed to building the Jewish arts and culture field in Southern California and beyond.
MEGAN LIN
Marketing & Communications Manager
megan@jcfoc.org
Megan joined the Foundation team in 2018. As Marketing & Communications Manager, she creates a cohesive brand identity and maintains brand consistency throughout all functions of the Foundation. Her dynamic role includes publishing the quarterly newsletter, managing the Foundation’s website and social media presence, and designing impactful marketing materials. Megan is also instrumental in planning and overseeing logistics for the annual Endowment Book of Life donor appreciation event.
With over two decades of experience in business operations and management, Megan owned and operated area rug and design stores before joining the Foundation. This blend of experience, combined with her collaborative spirit and creative insight, positions Megan as a key contributor in elevating the Foundation’s presence and demonstrating its impactful role in the community.
RACHAEL RIPPS
Donor Engagement Manager
rachael@jcfoc.org
Rachael joined the Foundation team as Donor Engagement Manager in 2024. In this pivotal role, she works closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement donor engagement strategies, build and retain a strong donor base, and steward existing fundholders, including multi-generational families.
Prior to her current role, Rachael held several fundraising positions, including Chief Advancement Officer at Merage JCC and Orange County Director for AIPAC. Her career has consistently focused on building strong, vibrant communities through fundraising and engagement initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in Public Humanities from Brown University. This combination of practical experience and academic training has prepared her well for her current responsibilities in donor engagement and community building.
MYRNA SHIELDS
Donor Services & Administration Associate
myrna@jcfoc.org
Myrna Shields joined the Foundation team in 1992 bringing with her more than 10 years of experience serving as Operations Manager for a television station. Myrna dedicated 20 years to the Foundation retiring in 2012 from her position as Chief Operating Officer. In 2014 Myrna returned to work part-time. Having been a part of the Foundation since its beginning, Myrna has an invaluable understanding of the Foundation’s history and has established deep relationships with both our donors and our partner organizations. Today, Myrna assists with the day to day administration of the office and is an integral player on our donor services team.
DIANA VELAZQUEZ
Donor Engagement & Administrative Coordinator
diana@jcfoc.org
Diana Velazquez joined the Foundation team in 2024, bringing with her more than 10 years’ experience as a VP of Operations and Sales Management. As the Donor Engagement & Administrative Coordinator, she will be responsible for overseeing Human Resources functions, taking minutes at meetings, various administrative roles and providing support to the Weisman Arts Program. Diana holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management which has given her transferable skills to excel in her current position. Additionally, she has served on Congregation B’nai Israel’s board for several years in different roles such as VP Social Action, VP Membership and Board Secretary.
JEANNE WALKER
Finance Manager
jeanne@jcfoc.org
Jeanne joined the Foundation in 2016, bringing with her experience in both non-profit and corporate finance. As Finance Manager, Jeanne is responsible for finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jeanne was a Finance Manager/Director of Finance and Operations for Unisys Corporation for over 20 years, while representing Unisys in the local community with education scholarship programs and Junior Achievement. Jeanne made a career change to Controller for a private high school to make a larger impact on the local community during which time she began writing grants and business plans for local non-profit organizations. Jeanne currently serves on the board of a local food bank, a scholarship foundation and her local Rotary chapter. Jeanne received her undergraduate degree in Economics from UCLA and MBA from University of La Verne.
