Dear Friends,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news about our senior leadership team. As of March 14th, Michael Rabkin will be joining us as our new Chief Development Officer. Michael has been a leader and engaged member of our Jewish community for nearly fifteen years. Many of you may know him from his tenure leading Hillel of San Diego, or may have had the chance to spend time with him on our CommUNITY Trip in 2023. Most recently, Michael served as a Campus Support Director at Hillel International, where he played a key role in fundraising strategy, leadership development, people management, and community engagement at both the campus and national levels.
I have had the privilege of working with Michael in various capacities over the years, and I could not be more excited to welcome his expertise, strategic thinking, and deep community connections to our Federation team.
Additionally, I am pleased to officially introduce David Fuhriman, who joined us in January as our Chief Financial Officer. In just a few short weeks, David has already made a meaningful impact on how we do business, bringing insightful financial leadership, operational expertise, and a thoughtful approach to strengthening our Federation’s financial future.
With Michael and David joining our already stellar senior leadership team we are positioned for an incredible future. Their collective expertise, passion, and commitment will help drive our vision forward as we continue to build a strong, vibrant, and connected Jewish community.
Below, you’ll find more about Michael and David.
Please join me in warmly welcoming them both to our Federation family!
Best,
Heidi Gantwerk
President and CEO
Jewish Federation of San Diego | jewishinsandiego.org
Michael Rabkin
Michael Rabkin is a nonprofit executive leader and fundraising strategist with a proven track record of driving philanthropic growth, building high-performing teams, and strengthening Jewish communal organizations. With nearly three decades in Jewish leadership, he has led multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns, secured transformational gifts, and developed strategic initiatives that have expanded engagement and increased revenue. His expertise spans major and legacy giving, board relations, financial forecasting, and strategic planning. He is deeply committed to mobilizing philanthropy to strengthen Jewish life, ensuring that institutions are positioned to thrive for generations to come.
Michael most recently served as a Campus Support Director at Hillel International, partnering with West Coast Hillels to enhance fundraising, strengthen board leadership, and optimize operational strategy. Prior to that, he served as Director of Emory Hillel before becoming Executive Director of Hillel of San Diego, where he expanded student engagement across four campuses and, in partnership with lay leaders, led the campaign and construction of the Melvin Garb Hillel Center, secured the lead gift for the Glickman Hillel Center, and built a high-caliber board of directors to drive long-term sustainability.
Michael holds a Master’s in Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has completed Jewish education leadership programs at the Shalom Hartman Institute and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and spent a year volunteering in Israel with Project OTZMA. His daughters, active leaders in BBYO and Hillel, continue to inspire his dedication to building a strong Jewish future.
David Fuhriman
David Fuhriman is a seasoned nonprofit executive and financial strategist with a track record of driving fiscal growth, operational excellence, and innovative solutions. With over two decades of experience in finance, fundraising, and organizational leadership, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutions through data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and innovative financial models.
David most recently served Chief Financial Officer of The Campanile Foundation at San Diego State University, where he oversaw finance, gift and fund administration, IT, HR, and prospect research. Under his leadership, the foundation achieved record-breaking fundraising totals, expanded financial reserves, and enhanced donor engagement. His expertise spans investment strategy, AI integration, and endowment management, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
Previously, David served as CFO of Educational Enrichment Systems, where he optimized enrollment processes and implemented strategic HR initiatives, resulting in record program utilization and significant salary growth for staff. He also held CFO roles at Mission Edge San Diego, guiding nonprofits through financial complexities, and at Bern Medical, where he founded a data analytics startup that streamlined healthcare operations.
A certified public accountant, David holds an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University and a BA in Spanish with a minor in Economics from Boise State University. He is a board member and finance leader at investigative nonprofit news organizations and economic development groups, further demonstrating his commitment to mission-driven organizations. An innovator at heart, he is also the author of Without Luck: A Book About Innovation, a deep dive into the principles of transformative change.
