Gianna Jacobson will serve as the next president of the Jewish Light’s Board of Trustees. At a meeting last week, the board elected Jacobson for a two-year term as president — a role she’ll take on starting May 21, succeeding current board president Milton Movitz.

David Grebler, immediate past president of the board and chair of the nominating committee, said Jacobson brings strong assets to the position.

“Gianna has been on the board for a long time and she has demonstrated strong leadership on the Light’s board,” Grebler said. “She is an experienced journalist and she brought that expertise to her role of chairing the editorial committee. By moving up to president, I am certain she will make further strides toward improving the quality of the newspaper.”

Movitz said each president brings a new set of skills to the table. “Gianna has shown real initiative in getting things done at the Light. She is an experienced writer who has worked for publications like the Wall Street Journal and the St. Louis Business Journal. She is really going to bring a new dimension to the paper.”

Jacobson said she is committed to the mission of the paper and is looking forward to taking on the presidency.

“After 15 years on the Jewish Light Board of Trustees, I’m more certain than ever that an independent, local journalistic voice is a key component of a healthy, vibrant Jewish community,” she said. “I have served in various capacities, including three terms chairing the News and Editorial Committee, but I am eager to tackle this new role of president, working with a strong professional staff and a highly effective board.”

The Jewish Light board also elected new officers, installing as Vice Presidents Diane Gallant (formerly Secretary of the board) and Michael Staenberg; Jane Tzinberg Rubin, as Treasurer; and Judy Pass as Secretary. Gary Kodner continues as a vice president and Movitz remains an executive committee member as immediate past president.

The board also welcomed five new trustees: Susan Fadem, John Greenberg, Daniel Rubenstein, Barbara Rubin and Alvin Wolff; and recognized the service provided by the trustees rotating off the board, Adinah Raskas, Rabbi Carnie Rose, Harvey Greenstein, Dr. Kenneth Ludmerer and David Grebler. Raskas and Grebler will become members of the Light’s Advisory Committee.

The Jewish Light welcomes the community to its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center at 975 North Warson Road. The newspaper will honor Missouri’s Jewish state legislators. A special tribute will be given to recognize the late David Lipman, and his many years of service.