Jewish Professional Development Collaborative Enters New Era of Growth with Acclaimed Project Facilitator and Manager, Stephen Markowitz

The Mayberg Foundation proudly announces appointing organizational consultant and educator Stephen Markowitz as the new project facilitator and manager for the Jewish Professional Development Collaborative. With this appointment, the Foundation is doubling down on its commitment to supporting Jewish outreach professionals and strengthening collaboration across the field.

Markowitz, who brings three decades of experience working across the Jewish denominational spectrum, will spearhead the next phase of this pioneering initiative. Drawing on his expertise in organizational wellbeing, professional development, and collaborative leadership, Markowitz will lead a six-phase process designed to align stakeholders, launch pilot initiatives, and create frameworks that can be scaled for broader field-wide adoption. The project will culminate in a strategic roadmap that documents both the proof of concept and the impact of the initial implementation.

“My approach combines a deep understanding of group dynamics with practical project management,” Markowitz shared. “Genuine collaboration requires surfacing and navigating the hidden patterns that shape how we work together. My aim is to create an environment where every perspective is valued, collaboration thrives, and differences become a source of creativity and insight that lead to meaningful action.”

Amanda Mizrahi, who developed and facilitated the pilot program since its inception, expressed her excitement about the next chapter: “It's been a privilege to see firsthand how much growth emerges when passionate professionals are given space to connect and learn from one another. I’m incredibly excited to watch this cohort deepen those connections, uncover new ideas, and tap into each other’s strengths, under Stephen’s guidance. His experience and thoughtful leadership will help us build not only strategic solutions, but a true community of practice—one where every participant is both a learner and a leader.”

Throughout his career, Markowitz has held senior roles at leading Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Melton Centre for Jewish Education, Torah MiTzion, The Jewish Agency, and M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education. In 2021, he founded Markowitz Consulting, bringing a psychodynamic approach to organizational transformation. He has also served as faculty for M² and Hillel International, specializing in values education, meaning making, and Jewish pedagogy, and continues to provide evaluation and impact studies for a range of Jewish organizations.

Markowitz holds an MA from The Hebrew University and a BSc from WITS University, and lives in Jerusalem with his wife and four children. He is deeply committed to helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential and create lasting impact.