Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Hermione Gilpin • Nicole Coyne • Liat Alon • Kim Adler • Deb Kabinoff

Kim Adler and Hermione Gilpin, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM), respectively, are a dynamic duo who proudly honor the history of the organization they serve, while effectively carrying out its mission and implementing the sixty-five-year-old Federation’s innovative new business model. 

“The Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community has been one of the fastest growing in the nation,” Adler states. She has been with the organization for almost twenty-seven years serving in multiple capacities, and her knowledge of all things JFSM is vast. Adler is incredibly proud of how nimbly JFSM has adapted to the community’s needs and shares that JFSM is one of just a few of the one hundred and fifty Jewish Federations in North America that operates a mission-focused nonprofit from a business model that includes both mission and margin while providing services to the community. Adler cites two examples: Camp Yonnie, a Jewish day camp for grades K-6, and The Ora, a 30,000-square-foot, top-notch event facility available for weddings, conventions, and corporate events. 

Gilpin, who has more than fifteen years of non-profit development experience and has raised over $25 million during her three years with JFSM, reiterates the organization’s responsiveness and relevancy by highlighting three other Federation leaders. 

She starts with the Federation’s Board Chair, Deb Kabinoff. “She’s a dynamo!” raves Gilpin, describing the successful serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who brings far-reaching experience, including serving on the board at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. 

JFSM’s Chief Financial Officer and CPA Nicole Coyne is the next standout, bringing a robust understanding of public and private financial management and strategies. Another team star is Dr. Liat Alon, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, harkening from the academic world and delivering a vast knowledge of Jewish history and Middle Eastern life to Federation’s robust program and event season. 

It’s an understatement to say that women play a decisive role at JFSM. 

“Women comprise four of the five key staff appointments, but only two of those same five identify as Jewish, embodying the Federation’s essential welcoming and inclusive mission,” says Adler. She stresses community partnerships such as the long-standing one between JFSM and the Sarasota Ministerial Association as a cornerstone of the Federation’s vision.

“We work with everyone toward a shared goal of a safer, stronger, and more connected community. We receive questions about what we do because it appears we are involved in everything! People want honest answers about what’s happening in the world, especially in the wake of October 7, 2023, and we strive to inform and educate, which can be challenging.”  

A declaration of strengthening Jewish life and identity, providing for Jewish people in need, and promoting support for Israel is a banner item on the JFSM website. What does that look like right now as Middle Eastern conflicts escalate, campus protests erupt, and anti-Semitic rhetoric persists?  

“It’s often felt like we’ve been working at a firehouse since last October,” says Gilpin. “But in the first six weeks after the attack on Israel last fall, we raised $1.5 million to support people in Israel who were impacted.” 

JFSM’s other outreach events have also included hosting a wide variety of community-oriented events, such as the Lakewood Ranch Farmer’s Market, the Just Schmoozing social events, and the November lecture by Hen Mazzig, a globally recognized digital influencer, educator, advocate and author, in partnership with area synagogues, Project Pride SRQ, and Embracing Our Differences.

Adler and Gilpin share an important quote from JFSM CEO, Shepard Englander, to stress the importance of JFSM’s female leadership: 

“The Federation provides no services more valuable than fostering friendships and authentic connections and building community. These women leaders inspire and infuse friendship and community in everything they do.”

Text by Christine Isaac | Photo by Nancy Guth

580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
941-371-4546
info@jfedsrq.org
jfedsrq.org