Socash takes on executive director role at Federation

The Tampa Orlando Pinellas (TOP) Jewish Foundation executive director, Emilie Socash has accepted the position of executive director of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties, effective July 1.

Socash will continue half-time in her position at the TOP Foundation.

"I'm tremendously excited and honored to be stepping into this important leadership role," Socash stated. "As a Pinellas resident, and a long-time Federation professional, I'm committed to fulfilling this role and assisting the organization-and really the entire community-in becoming its very best."

Three years ago, Socash became the administrator of the TOP Foundation, which administers philanthropic funds for Jewish community members. In that time, the organization's portfolio has grown by 30 percent (more than $10 million). In addition, TOP was recently chosen by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for the highly selective Life & Legacy program and is working with 15 area organizations to secure after-lifetime gifts. Top also has continued to distinguish itself with its anti-terror investment policy, gaining national attention for this work, most recently being on the program of the Jewish Federations of North America's national Investment Institute in February 2015.

Socash will keep endowment gifts at the forefront, as the Federation participates as a Life & Legacy team, and will continue to expand the programming already in place.

"My work with the foundation is not done, and I believe that this hybrid position will allow for both organizations to benefit significantly in an integrated fashion," she said.