Next week on Tuesday, May 23, The American Jewish Committee St. Louis will hold its annual meeting. The breakfast event is free and public is invited to attend to see the installation of the new board, and for the final vote on the election of Mike Lefton as the new board president. The breakfast begins at 8 a.m. followed by the program “How do American Jewish Millennials Feel About Israel?”

To RSVP for the annual meeting, or for more information, email AJC St. Louis Regional Director Nancy Lisker at [email protected].

The meeting will mark the end of the 3-year tenure of Paul Kravitz. The majority of Paul’s presidency took place during the pandemic, yet he led the organization with optimism and vision, strengthening the board with a diversity of leaders and amplifying AJC’s core priorities.

“The need to combat antisemitism and hate of all kinds, defend Israel’s right to exist and promote democratic values, has never been greater. I look forward to leading our St. Louis regional board and continuing the work of AJC, which has been so skillfully led by my predecessor, Paul Kravitz,” said incoming AJC president Mike Lefton.

Mike joined the AJC’s St. Louis regional board in 2020. He was selected to participate in the 2021 cohort of the Sholom D. Comay Leadership for the Future Fellowship, and participated in the 2023 Hilda Katz Blaustein Leadership Institute, both AJC National leadership initiatives.

“This is an exciting time for AJC St. Louis, and we are privileged to be led by such smart, passionate, and committed leaders like Paul and Mike,” said regional director Nancy Lisker.

Mike began his career with Metal Exchange Corporation (MEC) in 1984, assuming the role of Executive Chairman in 2019. A private, family-owned company, MEC’s business includes manufacturing, marketing, trading, metal processing, distribution, and transportation of nonferrous metals. With offices in Zurich and Shanghai, MEC has the international presence needed to link suppliers and customers around the world.

Mike received his BS in Business Administration from The University of Missouri-Columbia and earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to AJC, Mike currently serves as President of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer. Mike is proud to serve on the board of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, National Council of Jewish Women Advisory Council and Heat-Up/Cool Down St. Louis. Mike is also a past President of Congregation Shaare Emeth.