Spotlight On: Karen Adler

Karen Adler can organize a non-profit to run as a well-oiled machine. Through her consultancy in UJA-Federation of New York’s Management Assistance Program, her commitment to Jewish communal development and her experience in the professional world combined to assist in the integration of two Queens Jewish Community Centers.

After involvement with UJA-Federation committees where she helped with funding distribution, Adler was approached by UJA-Federation professionals as a candidate for this MAP consultancy. In late 2009, UJA-Federation initiated the transition for Samuel Field Y to assume management responsibilities of the Central Queens YM & YWHA while both centers continued programming for thousands of people. As a MAP consultant, Adler helped both staffs redefine position roles and organization, uniting them for further stability and growth.

“It was exactly in the sweet spot of what I do,” she said. “I had worked with non-profits who had been in transition.”

With degrees in finance and public administration, Adler has coordinated management for high-profile organizations. For the Clinton administration, Adler was National Jewish Coordinator for the 1992 campaign and was appointed a Regional Administrator for the General Services Administration from 1993 until 1997.  Later, Adler served as Chief Executive Officer for the Bronfman family network of Jewish philanthropy, Bromor Management LLC. Currently working as a professional consultant, she also serves as a lay leader on the Jewish Communal Network Commission at UJA-Federation as well.

As part of her consultancy, Adler planned a retreat for staff members to ask strategic questions, define responsibilities, and create teamwork strategies for the transition. Adler said she sees the project as a success. “When you look at where the Central Queens Y and the Sam Field Y are today, they work together, they cooperate, and you can tell. They’re two outstanding organizations,” she said.

Through varied projects, MAP consultants have a unique personal and professional opportunity, said Adler.

“Rarely in life can you walk away from something and really feel like you’ve completed it,” she said, satisfied with a job well-done.

Her work with the management transition has been a meaningful effort in Adler’s broad work with UJA-Federation.

“There is something profoundly satisfying about not just writing a check but giving a piece of yourself – it’s a different kind of commitment,” she said. “You are able to be the person who opens the door. You can do the littlest thing that makes an incredible difference.”