For more than six decades, the National Young Leadership Cabinet has served as one of the Jewish community’s most influential leadership pipelines, helping develop generations of communal leaders across North America.
Now two more St. Louisans are joining its ranks.
Elliott Kleiman and Matt Specter have been selected for the prestigious five-year program, following more than 70 alumni from the St. Louis Jewish community who have participated before them.
Established in 1963 by the Jewish Federations of North America, the National Young Leadership Cabinet is considered one of the Jewish community’s premier leadership development programs. Members are selected through a competitive nomination and application process and are recognized for their commitment to Jewish communal leadership, philanthropy and service.
Throughout the program, participants take part in leadership retreats, educational experiences, advocacy opportunities and international missions designed to deepen their understanding of global Jewish needs and strengthen their ability to lead both locally and nationally.
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“Elliott and Matt exemplify the passion, vision, and dedication for strengthening Jewish life in St. Louis and beyond,” said Danny Cohn, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “Their selection to Cabinet reflects not only their individual leadership abilities, but also the growing impact of our community leaders on a national stage.”
Continuing a St. Louis tradition
Kleiman currently serves on the Federation Board of Directors and chairs the Israel & Overseas Committee.
Specter serves on the Federation Professional Society Leadership Advisory Council and, along with his wife, Ashley, co-chairs the Federation’s Ben-Gurion Society.
“Jewish Federation has played a meaningful role in my leadership journey and Jewish identity,” Kleiman said. “Several of my friends and mentors are Cabinet alumni and it’s an honor to follow in their footsteps so that I can continue growing and giving back in any way I can.”
“I am honored to have been selected to join Cabinet and grateful for the opportunity to represent the St. Louis Jewish community at the national level,” Specter said. “I look forward to learning from and collaborating with passionate Jewish leaders from across the country.”
Todd Siwak, chair of the Federation board and a cabinet alumnus, said the program played a significant role in his own leadership journey.
“Cabinet was a very meaningful and rewarding experience and played a significant role in my Jewish community leadership journey,” Siwak said. “Our Federation has benefited from the dedication of so many people over the past 125 years, and thanks to leaders like Elliott and Matt, we will continue to build a St. Louis Jewish community for generations to come.”
Following generations of leaders
The National Young Leadership Cabinet includes hundreds of members and thousands of alumni serving in leadership roles throughout the Jewish communal world. With the addition of Kleiman and Specter, St. Louis continues a tradition of participation that stretches back generations.
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