CONGREGATION SHAARE EMETH - Key Persons


Beth Kodner

Job Titles:
  • Director of Development & Membership

Betsy Cytron - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Vice President

Betsy Kelly

Job Titles:
  • Member - at - Large

Bill Remis

Job Titles:
  • Immediate past President
  • Member of the Operating Committee

Brandi Kanoya

Job Titles:
  • Director of Shirlee Green Preschool

Craig Neuman

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Dana DeBlasi - President

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • President

Debbie Bram

Job Titles:
  • Director of Jewish Life & Learning

Emily Cohen

Job Titles:
  • Director of Family Engagement & Membership

Emily Throgmorton

Job Titles:
  • Education Administrator

Hannah Michelson - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Communications

Harvey Wallace

Harvey Wallace is a trailblazer in the accounting world and a passionate community leader. In 1973, he co-founded Brown Smith Wallace, a firm that grew to become the 77th largest CPA firm in the United States, with 340 team members at the time of its 2021 merger with Armanino LLP. He now brings his expertise to Private Fiduciary Solutions. Harvey's professional success is matched by his extraordinary record of community service. He has held leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of St. Louis (where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2017), Jewish Family Services, The Magic House (Chairman, 2013-2014), Wyman Center, and the Chancellor's Council at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. His civic engagement also includes board service with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. Harvey has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Men's Group Against Cancer and was honored with the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Public Service Award. Madeleine and Harvey are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad & Elizabeth Wallace and David & Melissa Wallace, and four grandchildren Emma (23), Katie (19), Miriam (13), and Aaron (11). Together, Madeleine and Harvey exemplify the spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Their decades of service have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are proud to honor them with the 2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award.

Helena Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Director of Youth Engagement

Hyman A. Rubin

Job Titles:
  • Library

Jana McGinty

Job Titles:
  • Receptionist & Tribute Coordinator

Jenn Schwesig - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Vice President

Jonathan Sachs

Job Titles:
  • Member - at - Large

Kathy Wiesman

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Secretary

Kayla Adams

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Shirlee Green Preschool

Laura Horton

Job Titles:
  • Director of Camp Emeth

Lisa Suffian - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Vice President

Madeleine Elkins

Madeleine and Harvey have been cherished members of Congregation Shaare Emeth since 1996. Shortly after their wedding, they began "shul shopping" and quickly found a spiritual home at Shaare Emeth-a community whose warmth and values resonated deeply with them. Since then, they have become pillars of both the congregation and the broader St. Louis community. Madeleine Elkins built a distinguished 45-year career in the corporate world, with leadership roles in medical supply distribution and law firm financial management. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Madeleine has always made time for meaningful volunteer work. She served on the board of the St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition and was part of the organizing committee for the JCC Senior Olympics in its early years. Her dedication to Jewish community life is evident in her service on various committees for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, including co-chairing the 2017 L'Chaim Event. In 2022, she and Harvey co-chaired the JCC's J'la gala, raising vital funds for scholarships. At Shaare Emeth, Madeleine is a compassionate member of the Caring Committee, and in 2025, she joined the board of the American Jewish Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.

Maggie Jines

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Administrator

Marci Diamond

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Religious School

Mark Gubernik - VP

Job Titles:
  • First Vice President
  • Member of the Operating Committee

Michele Siler - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Vice President

Mike Vredenburgh

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Treasurer
  • Member of the Operating Committee

Natalie Kalmar - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Operating Committee
  • Treasurer

Robert Colton - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations

Shana Tozer

Job Titles:
  • Digital Communications Coordinator

Stacy Jespersen

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to the Clergy

Tammy Beaird

Job Titles:
  • Business Operations Specialist

Valerie Cundy

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to Administration

Zoey Waldman-Schein

Job Titles:
  • Director of Music Engagement