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New Chairman Appointed At CLAL

Thomas O. Katz, Esq. to Lead the Organization into the New Century

By Judy Epstein, Director of Public Affairs

Thomas O. Katz , Esq., a partner at the law firm of Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was recently named the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of CLAL The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.  His two-year term takes effect as of January 1, 2002.  Mr. Katz succeeds Barbara B. Friedman as Chairman of the organization.  

 “This is a very exciting moment for the organization,” said Rabbi Irwin Kula, President of CLAL. “With Tom Katz’s appointment, CLAL can continue to expand in new and vital directions.  He provides the leadership, vision, and creativity that are pivotal at this time.”    

Mr. Katz has served as a CLAL Board Member for more than a decade and as an Associate Board Chair since 1998.  Through his guidance and support, Mr. Katz was instrumental in creating CLAL’s leadership training programs in Broward County, Florida and the Jewish Public Forum at CLAL, a think tank that generates fresh ideas about the social, political, cultural and technological trends affecting ethnic and religious identity and community building.   

“I’m very honored to be elected Chairman of this dynamic organization,” said Mr. Katz. “CLAL continues to find new ways to connect Jewish tradition to modern life.   It speaks to contemporary experience in an era of change, and is a central player for individuals and communities exploring what it means to be Jewish and American in the 21st century.”            

Long involved in civic activities, Mr. Katz serves on the governing boards of a variety of local, state and national charitable organizations. A frequent lecturer on planned charitable giving for donors and organizations, Mr. Katz was selected by his peers as a “Leading American Attorney” in Business Tax Law.  He is also listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law.  Volunteer commitments include the Community Foundation of Broward (Member, Board of Directors), and The Donor’s Forum (Member, Board of Directors).   He also serves as General Counsel of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc., and is on the Board of Overseers of the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.  

“Tom Katz brings tremendous insight, experience and skill during a challenging time for many organizations and businesses across America,” said Donna M. Rosenthal, Executive Vice Chairman of CLAL.  “We are fortunate to have his leadership in such a moment of transition.” 

Mr. Katz is a graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.  He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Tax Law.  He resides with his family in Boca Raton, Florida.

    



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