By Eileen Freed
The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is delighted to welcome Robert Deschaine to the team as Accounting Manager.
Robert has over twenty-five years of accounting experience working with both for profit and nonprofit organizations, including the last eight years as Director of Finance at the Chippewa Nature Center, in Midland, MI. There, he was instrumental in updating financial procedures and technology and bringing a collaborative approach to budgeting and other financial operations. Robert recently moved to Ann Arbor with his wife Laurie of thirty years and looks forward to making Ann Arbor home.
Federation Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, Marla Chinsky looks forward to working with Rob. “We held an extensive search and are delighted to have found an accomplished finance professional with strong non-profit experience,” she said.
During the past four years, the Jewish Community Center and Federation Finance departments have operated under a shared services agreement with Federation Finance Director Denise Bennett operating as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for both organizations.
In this same period, the two organizations have grown, and their accounting and functions have become more complex. It was determined it would be best for each to have a high-level accounting professional to direct their financial operations.
Effective September 16, Denise assumed the role of full-time CFO of the Jewish Community Center. “We are grateful for all Denise has done for Federation over the past 13 years and for the many strong relationships she has fostered with our donors,” said Federation President Stephen Aronson. “We are delighted she will continue to serve our community in this next chapter of her career.”
He continued, “the JCC and Federation have a strong, collaborative relationship. We are both committed this strong partnership and will continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the Jewish community.”
Rob can be reached at robert@jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3536.