After a nationwide search, the Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation announces that Chad Tessmer has been hired as the next President of the Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation. Chad’s official start date will be Monday, September 29.
Chad will be responsible for executing the Foundation’s mission to support Ovation Communities (Jewish Home & Care Center, Chai Point, and Kavod Terrace). He will lead all fundraising efforts in partnership with Ovation’s leadership, ensure effective management of the Foundation’s invested assets, and oversee the distribution of grants that support Ovation Communities.
Board President Rick Strait states that “Chad’s executive leadership experience, strong communication skills, knowledge of Milwaukee’s general and Jewish communities, and his collaborative approach made him the best choice to lead the Foundation into the future”.
Chad most recently served as Executive Director of the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) and MYAC Foundation, where he led change in the organization’s revenue models, rebuilt its culture of hospitality, and delivered new partnership opportunities for growth. During his tenure with MYAC, he worked closely with Board leadership to develop new governance procedures, led the strategic planning process for the organization, and led key strategic initiatives supporting long-term goals. As the chief executive working within a collaborative, non-profit community center, Chad’s experience with developing strong partnerships will further the joint missions of the Foundation and Ovation Communities.
“It is a privilege to be joining the team of leaders supporting the Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation,” Tessmer shared. “I am eager to build upon the strength of generations of leadership, and to apply my skills to grow awareness, resources, and capacity for dignified care in my home community.”
Chad previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center for over a decade. As the senior executive responsible for marketing, communications, membership sales and service, strategic planning, data advancement, public affairs and special events teams, Chad worked closely with all facets of the JCC to improve its branding, impact, and strategy, leading to increased revenue and engagement. Prior to joining the JCC, Chad served as Vice President and Director of Client & Community Relations for PNC Financial Services.
Mike Silverman, President of Ovation Communities, stated, “I am excited about working with Chad as we partner with the Foundation to take Ovation to a new level of care and service for Milwaukee’s Jewish community.” Jay Frank, chair of the Ovation Home board, and Howard Loeb, chair of the Ovation Chai Point board, join Mike in welcoming Chad to the Foundation and the Ovation family.
A special thank you to members of the Search Committee who shepherded the process: Emmy Ganos, Josh Gimbel, Rob Irwin, Bill Komisar, Arleen Peltz, and Sally Lyne. We are also grateful to the many other Ovation leaders and community members who provided invaluable advice during the search process.
Please join us in welcoming Chad Tessmer as the Foundation’s new President. He can be reached starting September 29 via email or 414-721-9260.
