Leadership
EXECUTIVE BOARD
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Allison Sussman
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Allison is honored to serve as Co-President of the Merrick Jewish Centre with Howard Tiegel. Allison joined MJC with her family when they moved to Merrick in 2018. After becoming a member of the Board of Directors in 2021, Allison has been highly engaged including Co-Chair of Membership, Co-Chair of Ocean’s 18 Annual Fundraiser, Vice President, Executive Vice President, and Acting President. Allison is an experienced Reading Specialist and she is deeply committed to her community and volunteerism. She serves as Co-President of the PTA at her children’s school, where she helps foster a strong partnership between families and educators. Allison is also actively involved in volunteer efforts supporting Israel and is an advocate for raising awareness and combating antisemitism to make the world a safer place for future generations. Since October 7th, she has organized community events, participated in fundraising efforts, helped survivors to share their testimony around the country and used her voice to educate and inspire others to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. Allison and her husband, Lee, live in Merrick with their two children, Carly and Gavin. |
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Howard Tiegel
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Howard is delighted to be Co-President of the Merrick Jewish Centre with Allison Sussman. A 20+ year member of MJC, Howard has been deeply involved in synagogue leadership, contributing to strategic planning, governance, and community engagement. He has previously served as President of the Congregation from 2013-2015 and from 2020-2024. Having grown up, educated, become a Bar Mitzvah, and married at Oceanside Jewish Center (OJC), he has played a central role in the ongoing merger process between MJC and OJC, helping to ensure a thoughtful and collaborative transition. Professionally, Howard is the founder and CEO of Echelon HR Group, an advisory firm that partners with organizations to tackle complex people and culture challenges. He has spent three decades as an employment lawyer, senior HR executive and consultant, including leadership roles in global companies across finance, e-commerce, hospitality, and industry. Howard is passionate about building strong, inclusive communities—whether in the workplace or within the synagogue. He and his wife, Paula, are the proud parents of Brianna, and live in Bellmore. |
Executive Board Members
Allison Sussman, Co-President
Howard Tiegel, Co-President
Jonathan Schwartz, 2nd Vice President
Adam Goldstein, 3rd Vice President
Matthew Knee, 4th Vice President
Howard Segal, Treasurer
Michael Vanunu, Financial Secretary
Rebekah Maiden, Recording Secretary
ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORSRebecca Calzontzi LIFETIME HONORARY DIRECTORSStanley Becker Z"L RECENT PAST PRESIDENTSAndrew Rotjan |
SCHOOL BOARD CO-CHAIRsDarren Bleier & Kristen Desideri
recent past school board chairSandra Wegman
SISTERHOOD Co-PRESIDENTsMarissa Bleier & Cheryl Uram
MEN'S CLUB PRESIDENTJosh Diamond
P.T.O. PRESIDENTHolly Sugarman |