Debbie Tuttle Berkowitz has been elected to the Board of Governors of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) at its meeting on October 25, 2021.
President Andrew Rehfeld stated, “We are honored to have distinguished alum Debbie Tuttle Berkowitz serve as a valued source of expertise and guidance as we plan for HUC-JIR’s vital role in preparing the next generations of Jewish leaders to serve communities throughout North America, Israel, and around the world.”
Berkowitz is the Senior Director of Family Philanthropy at the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties. She specializes in convening family conversations around philanthropy, starting philanthropy at any age and raising generous children. In her work at the Federation over the last 11 years she has held a number of different portfolios including work with young adults, venture philanthropy, donor stewardship, endowments and philanthropic education. Her continuing passion lies with helping donors connect their values and vision for change to their philanthropic impact.
Prior to her work at the Federation, she was the Youth and Family Director at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael. Before graduate school, she worked in nonprofit fundraising with the Bonner Group in Washington, D.C.
Berkowitz has an MAJCS from HUC-JIR and an MSW from USC. She is a 21/64 trained facilitator and recently completed the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation program through the American College of Financial Services. She also holds a BA in Religious Studies from UC San Diego.
A life-long resident of the Bay Area, Berkowitz lives in Berkeley, with her husband Mike, and their children Ari and Levi.