Friedman to head new Shalom Orlando

Sam Friedman spent four years as Hillel director at Stetson University and was ready for a change. He was inspired by the new vision of Shalom Orlando, a “guide to all things Jewish in Greater Orlando,” and with his own youthful perspective, applied for and was chosen as the chief development officer at Shalom Orlando.

“My last day at Stetson is May 18, and my first day at Shalom Orlando is June 1. It’s been an incredible, impactful, four years at Stetson and I’m definitely going to miss my students and colleagues,” Friedman told Heritage via email.

Friedman will be leading the total financial resource development efforts and impact of Shalom Orlando. A Jewish communal professional of 12 years, Friedman received his early career training at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, before moving to Orlando in 2014 to help restart Hillels at UCF and Stetson University.

Friedman has written articles that have been featured in the Times of Israel, the Jewish Daily Forward and the Florida Heritage Jewish Newspaper. He lives in Longwood with his wife, Jennifer, and their two dogs, Renegade and Charlie Bear. 

“I’m so excited to have Sam join our team at the upcoming Shalom Orlando merged Roth JCC and Federation. He brings a passion for Jewish life, community, and making a difference that will help us grow and impact Jewish Orlando,” said Federation and Roth JCC CEO Keith Dvorchik.

Ming Marx, JFGO Board president, and member with Friedman of the 2015-16 Jerome J. Bornstein Leadership Development Class, knew this to be a good decision. “Hiring Sam was a phenomenal opportunity for Shalom Orlando. He’s a dynamic and inspiring individual who is very familiar with our community and its needs.”

“Sam is ideally suited for the role as chief development officer,” said Andrew Gluck, JCC Board president and also a member of the 2015-16 Jerome J. Bornstein Leadership Development Class. “He has a proven track record of success and a great understanding of the greater Orlando Jewish community. I’m thrilled that Sam agreed to join our team.”

Speaking on behalf of the Shalom Orlando Task Force, Dick Applebaum, chairman, stated, “I am beyond excited to have Sam Friedman join our team. He is an outstanding addition to the great group of Jewish community-minded lay leaders and professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with to bring Shalom Orlando into being.”

Shalom Orlando is produced by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando with the financial support of sponsors and other advertisers.

Christine DeSouza contributed to this article.