Executive Director
jchestnu@kent.edu

This fall Jennifer begins her fourteenth year as Hillel’s Executive Director. A Cleveland native, Jennifer received a bachelor of science in advertising from Syracuse University with a minor in Jewish studies, and her master’s in nonprofit organizations from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations. In 2004, Hillel’s Schusterman International Center named Jennifer an Exemplar of Excellence. She is currently a member of their Strategic Planning Committee and is a previous member of their 2004 Strategic Planning Executive Committee. Jennifer was recently named as a member of Hillel’s Director’s Cabinet, one of 12 directors representing Hillels from across North America. She is also a past president of Kent State’s Campus Minister’s Organization. Prior to working at Hillel, she worked in marketing and recruitment for Israel programs at The Nesiya Institute and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Jennifer and her family live in Akron. She is proud to be a P90X grad; enjoys yoga, cooking and playing with her kids, Seth, Martha and Jason; and spending time with friends and her husband, Sam.

Engagement Associate
sakrish@kent.edu

Shiri joined the Hillel at Kent State staff team in August  2012. A Cleveland native, she graduated from Beachwood High School and Allegheny College where she majored in Environmental Studies and minored in communications and film. Prior to working for Hillel, Shiri worked as a Jewish Educator for The Teva Learning Alliance where she taught environmental science topics inherent in Judaism to elementary schoolchildren.  The following year, Shiri worked as an International Counselor for Young Judaea’s Year Course in Israel, and BBYO’s Passport to the World.  An adventurous traveler, she has been to five of the seven world continents thus far. She is waiting for the day Hillel Alternative Breaks will be offered in Antarctica.

Administrative Assistant
hillel@kent.edu

Lynne grew up in Columbus, OH and has a BA in Speech and Hearing from The Ohio State University. She and her husband, Ron, have lived in Kent since 1999. They have 5 grown children. Lynne’s interests are physical fitness, music, dancing, and time with friends and family.

UAkron HeebRoos Jewish Life Graduate Assistant
cdl27@zips.uakron.edu

A native of New Jersey, Craig received his B.A. in American Culture from Vassar College. He has experience working in book publishing and education, and was a Teach for America corps member in New Orleans. He is currently working towards his PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Akron. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, cooking, and traveling to new places.

Director of Jewish Student Life
rmarcus1@kent.edu

Ricky joined the Hillel at Kent State staff last year, after serving four years as the program director for the Cleveland Hillel Foundation. Originally from Cleveland, Ricky attended Indiana University where he studied the business of music and Jewish studies. Prior to working for Hillel, Ricky worked for The Agency Group in New York City where he assisted talent agents in booking international tours for popular music acts. While continuing his work at Hillel, Ricky is currently pursuing a master’s degree in higher education at Kent State University. He lives in University Heights with his wife, Lindsay, and daughter, Jaryn.

Building and Operations Manager
kmontg11@kent.edu

Kim joined the Hillel at Kent State staff in February 2012.  Originally from West Point, OH, Kim received her Associates Degree in Accounting from Bradford Business School in Pittsburgh, PA.  She resides in Green with her husband and enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends.

Senior Jewish Educator
lmoore57@kent.edu

Rabbi Lee received her ordination in June 2010 from Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Boston, and joined our staff fall of '10. Working at Hillel at Kent State is a homecoming for Rabbi Lee; she grew up in Kent. Rabbi Moore has an M.S. in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan and earned her B.A. in Religious Studies from Wesleyan University.

Kitchen Manager
cateringshopgirl05@yahoo.com

Lisa has truly brought new excitement to our Kosher kitchen. In addition to Shabbat and holiday meals, Lisa prepares chicken soup for students when they are sick, as well as snacks and other food for Hillel events. Trained at the University of Akron in the Hospitality Management Program, she has spent more than 25 years in the food service industry and finds much pleasure in planning themed events, preparing the perfect food to accent the occasion – a great fit for our “themed” Shabbat dinners. Twice each year, Lisa donates meals for the families staying at the Akron Ronald McDonald House and supports the March of Dimes Save the Babies Campaign by donating needed food for various events. She was recently the featured chef in the annual Signature Chef’s Auction in Akron. She also enjoys listening to books on tape and interior decorating.

Development Associate
jrosen6@kent.edu

Jacob joined the Hillel staff in July 2012. He graduated in May 2012 from the University of Dayton, where he majored in applied mathematical economics and was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. In his spare time, he's a huge sports fan and loves rooting for his Cleveland teams. An Akron native and Lippman School graduate, Jacob is excited about returning to his roots in the Northeast Ohio Jewish community."

aiz1@zips.uakron.edu

Alex comes to the University of Akron from Charlotte, NC, and is a second year graduate student in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology Masters/Ph.D. program.  She completed her undergraduate degree with honors at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, in 2011 as a double major in psychology and sociology.  Alex swam competitively for years, attending three US Maccabi games and representing the US at the 17th Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2005.  She is very excited to be involved with the HeebRoos and can't wait to continue developing Jewish life on campus!