Getting to know David Golder, the new Chair of JUF Board of Directors

Longtime community leader David Golder has been named the new chair of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago’s Board of Directors. Golder was elected at JUF’s 2022 Annual Meeting in September.

Golder comes to his new position with an admirable track record of service to the Jewish community, both locally and nationally. He previously co-chaired JUF’s Health and Human Services Commission, chaired JUF’s Government Affairs and Breakthrough Fund committees, and served as a vice chair of the board (2017-2019). At the national level, Golder is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and chaired the Domestic Policy & Government Affairs Council for JFNA.

“David’s kindness and respect for others is evident in his work and how he connects with people,” said Lonnie Nasatir, JUF President. “He also has incredible instincts–a leadership quality I very much admire. David is uniquely qualified for his new role, bringing a deep understanding of the Jewish community from a local and national perspective, and I know he is poised for great success.”

A personal priority for Golder in the coming year is to glean a deeper understanding of what compels the next generation to become more deeply connected to JUF. Building bridges from generation to generation will continue to be a hallmark of Golder’s approach to his work as he assumes his new position.

“I have come to a place in life where I feel a tremendous responsibility to contribute all I can to the community,” Golder reflected. “JUF has a long and widely respected legacy of leadership. We have an incredible opportunity to continue to make an impact on so many levels in Chicago and around the world. I am truly honored to take on this new role.”

A dedicated philanthropist, Golder is active on numerous civic boards, including serving as the past chair of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, and past chair of the Board of Trustees of Drake University. He also is a past-president of Temple Jeremiah in Northfield.

In addition, Golder has served on committees for the Museum of Science and Industry and the Illinois Venture Capital Association. He currently serves on the board of American Jewish Committee (AJC) Chicago.

“My volunteer work, including that with JUF and JFNA, offers a unique perspective from which I am always learning. I continually see how JUF is regarded as a leader within the Federation system, and among Chicago’s foremost mission driven institutions. I am continually proud-and in awe-of the exceptional work happening in Chicago, impacting our local and global communities,” Golder said.

Golder is the founder and former president of Lightfall Interactive Media. He currently manages investment strategy as managing partner of Golder Investment Management, LLC and oversees philanthropic operations as vice president and treasurer of the Golder Family Foundation.

A graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Golder continued his post-graduate education at the University of Chicago. He and his wife, Carol, live in Glencoe.

Elizabeth Abrams is Assistant Vice President of Marketing Communications for JUF.