Sarah B. Wilschek, MNP
Executive Director, Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom | Youngstown, Ohio
Innovative. Passionate. Driven.
A visionary professional with a passion for catalyzing enduring change through collaborative efforts with volunteers, staff, and partners. Renowned for dynamic leadership, emphasizing individual strengths, inclusivity, and transparent communication. A staunch advocate for innovative growth strategies to sustain institutions for future generations. A catalyst for inspiration, inviting others to engage, innovate, and drive meaningful transformation. Recognized as a thought leader shaping the future of community initiatives.
Professional Experience
Executive Director
Congregation Rodef Sholom/ Ohev Beth Sholom, Youngstown, OH
April 2019- Present
Unified two synagogues of different denominations in 2021, creating Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom, and maintaining an affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism
Employed as the first Executive Director in Congregation Rodef Sholom’s 154-year history
Established sustainable and successful staffing, committee, and board models fostering higher engagement, less overhead, and innovative leadership opportunities
Decentralized a historic institution while modernizing technology, training on DEI and SRE, reducing expenses, and acquiring over $500,000 in federal, state, and private grant funding during a pandemic
Creates multidimensional partnerships between the congregation and local organizations including Youngstown State University, the City of Youngstown, and other cornerstone institutions to further the mission of the synagogue
Oversees, designs, fundraises, and creates substantial construction and projects increasing security and accessibility throughout the building and campus
Managed major staff transitions and restructuring, including the retirement of a 25-year tenured Rabbi, an interim Rabbi, a settled Rabbi, and a new associate clergy member
Community Development Manager
Jewish Community Center, Youngstown, OH
October 2017- March 2019
Created and managed community collaborations for the Jewish Community Center and other Federation agencies
Managed Youngstown Partnership2GETHER program with Accre, Israel
Composed and applied for all Youngstown Area Jewish Federation grant opportunities
Responsible for engaging and coordinating current and future leaders of the local Jewish community
Federation Programming Coordinator
Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Youngstown, OH
September 2014- October 2017
Built interfaith relationships within Youngstown to create strong coalitions for Israel and the Jewish community
Promoted the mission of the Federation through creative marketing, social media, and innovative programming
Engaged and educated emerging Jewish leaders to ensure a future for the Youngstown Jewish community
Youth and Family Programming Director
Jewish Community Center, Youngstown, OH
June 2012- September 2014
Created cultural, educational, and social events for families and children of all ages
Developed, managed, and maintained Camp JCC with continuous staff and program improvement
Client Service Associate
Sequoia Financial Group, Akron, OH
November 2011- May 2012
Acted as main point of contact for clients while also preparing and communicating personal financial information
Director of Broker and Client Relations
LyfeBank Ohio, Columbus, OH
April 2010- November 2011
Created a business model for employers and employees to gain access to affordable healthcare while focusing on developing public-private partnerships for individuals search for affordable healthcare
Leadership and Volunteer Experience
National Association for Temple Administration (NATA), Board Member
NATA, National Organization | 2022 - Present
Joined NATA Board in January 2024
Received Senior Status and Recognized for the 2023 Leadership cohort
Active participation in NATA Institute and a candidate for FTA/ FSA certification
Co-Education chairperson for the 2022 NATA Conference in Clearwater, Florida
Hillel at Kent State University, Executive Committee, Secretary
Hillel at Kent State University, Kent, OH
June 2021- Present
Advances Hillel’s mission by serving the campuses of Kent State University, The University of Akron, Hiram College, and Youngstown State University
Compass Family and Community Services, Board Member
Compass Family and Community Services, Youngstown, OH
June 2023- Present
Compass Family and Community Services, a local nonprofit, works tirelessly to build strong children, families, and communities. They are committed to providing essential, seamless, and comprehensive social services to all those that they serve.
Ukraine 24/7, American Proofreader and Editor
U24 Media, Ukraine
April 2022- January 2024
Volunteers with U24 media outlet in Ukraine to ensure stories from the Russian/ Ukrainian war reach American media
Directly works with Ukrainian journalists in Ukraine
Center for Holocaust and Judaic Studies Advisory Committee, Member
Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH
September 2019- Present
Advises on strategies for the growth, improvement, and engagement of the YSU Center of Holocaust and Judaic Studies
Commission for Jewish Education, Board Member
Commission for Jewish Education, Youngstown, OH
December 2018- Present
Focuses on building a strong foundation of quality Jewish education for all Jews in our region, including oversight of Akiva Academy, MSJS, and adult lifelong Jewish education
Ohio Nonviolence Week, Executive Committee Member
Ohio Nonviolence Week, Youngstown, OH
January 2015- Present
Promotes nonviolence through community engagement, education and building community partnerships
Leadership Mahoning Valley, Class Coordinator
Leadership Mahoning Valley, Youngstown, Ohio
October 2017- May 2018
Identified and trained to become a future community leader for the Mahoning Valley
Awards, Recognitions, and Professional Organizations
Woman of Impact
Dandelion Inc.
January 2024
Recognized as a woman who is inclusive, supportive, and dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
Senior Status with the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA)
NATA, National Affiliation
April 2023
Demonstrated professional excellence in the field of executive director leadership.
Completed multiple levels of education and training to meet ongoing standards
2023 Women's Hall of Fame Nominee
League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown
March 2023
Identified as a woman who has empowered, educated, engaged, and advocated for the people in the Mahoning valley; who has made an enduring local impact; and who has fought to uphold the values of democracy
12 Under 36: Members of the Tribe Award Nominee
Cleveland Jewish News, Northeast Ohio
August 2021
Recognized as a rising Jewish leader in the Northeast Ohio community
National Association for Temple Administration (NATA)
NATA, National Affiliation
April 2019- Present
Professional organization for those who serve synagogues as executives, administrators, or managers. Active in the Cleveland and Pittsburgh networks as well as nationwide conversations and conferences
Athena Award Nominee
Youngstown/ Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, Youngstown, OH
April 2019
Nominee for the 27th Athena Award which recognizes women who strive toward the highest level of professional accomplishment
Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 Under 35
Mahoning Valley Young Professionals, Youngstown, Ohio
December 2018
Nominated and honored as a leading young professional across all business arenas in the Mahoning Valley
Mid-Career Fellowship Recipient, Gratz College
Gratz College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 2017- December 2018
Identified as a future leader of the American Jewish community and mentored by national Jewish leaders
Professional Skills
Building and Creating Partnerships
Create mutually beneficial, sustainable relationships between partner organizations and individuals
Governance
Works with multiple boards to implement best governance practices
Create effective and efficient board relationships
Educate on the role of board members and the responsibilities associated with the titles
Grant Writing
Successful grant writer for local, state, and federal grant opportunities
Raised over $1M in grant funds
Organizational Management
Creates functional, efficient, and healthy organizational atmospheres
Leadership Development
Assists in training in areas of excellence; including SRE, JEDI, and REDI
Trains in leadership styles
Identifies and prepares future organizational leaders
Media Relations
Strong communications background
Healthy relationships with media partners
Strategic Planning/ Visioning
Provides visioning and planning sessions for strategic organizational growth
Managing Change and Transition
Assists with organizational change management
Focuses on best practice implementation
Fundraising
Successful fundraiser
Provides enthusiastic energy toward future and sustainable projects
Education
Gratz College, Philadelphia, PA
Masters of Science in Nonprofit Management
Additional Certification in Jewish Communal Service Obtained December 2018
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Specialization: Human Resource Management Obtained June 2010
Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority Member, Rho Chapter