Carly Scaduto is the new senior director of media relations for San Francisco-based Vir Biotechnology, which is described on its website as “a commercial stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic insights with cutting edge technologies to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases.” Scaduto is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Jessica Litwack launched a spinoff of her mamaSpace group for moms called mamaSpace nextGen, for moms of kids ages 10 and older. As an online community and support network, its mission is “to allow its members to feel supported, empowered and validated.” Litwack is a member of Congregation Temple Israel.

Ryan Rich, owner of Hot Box Cookies, opened the company’s seventh location in Kirkwood on S. Kirkwood Road. The St. Charles store will open soon on Beale Street. Rich plans to open two more stores, in Edwardsville and O’Fallon as well. He attends Kol Rinah.

UCP Heartland announced the promotion of Kevin Litt to the position of vice president of development. Under his leadership, the development team will continue to increase program funding, grow community involvement and build UCP Heartland’s relationships throughout Eastern and Central Missouri. Litt is also the president of Congregation B’nai Amoona’s Men’s Club.

Dr. Michael Polinsky has joined the practice of Neurosurgery of St. Louis, St. Peters office. A member of Central Reform Congregation, he treats surgical conditions involving the brain and spine.

Michelle Dunski was promoted to recruiting director of Accounting Career Consultants and HR Career Consultants. Her role involves developing and working with candidates and clients for the firm’s accounting and finance search practice in addition to a mentoring and leadership role she has taken on at the firm. Dunski is a member of B’nai Amoona.

Stacy Smart and Angela Jolly have joined the staff of the St. Louis Jewish Light. Smart is Director of Business Development and Communications and attends Temple Israel. Jolly is the Light’s administrative assistant. 

Martha Sneider has joined the office of Dielmann Sotheby’s as a real estate agent. She attends Temple Emanuel.

Eitan Kantor will serve as the music director of the Hebrew Educational Alliance (HEA) in Denver at the end of April. He will partner with the clergy team as a worship and song leader in providing creative musical content for the synagogue.

Lynnsie Kantor has received the 2021 Henry J. Aydt Service Award for ethics, integrity, professionalism, adherence to the Realtor Code of Ethics, outstanding delivery of real estate service, professional development, and leadership within Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate and the community at large. In addition, Kantor and her partner Craig Burfield of the Burfield Kantor Group, ranked No. 4 in their office and No. 10 (top 1%) in the entire company of approximately 450 agents for 2021. Kantor attends B’nai Amoona and CRC.

Kimberlie Heligman has joined the Chesterfield office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance as a real estate agent. She attends United Hebrew Congregation.    

Joanne Iskiwitch, has received the 2021 Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite designation, given to the top 3% of all Coldwell Banker agents worldwide and based on annual real estate sales accomplishment. She is a member of Temple Emanuel.  

Rabbi David Reinhart will join the United Hebrew clergy team in July 2022 as Associate Rabbi. He currently serves as Assistant Rabbi at Temple Israel of the City of New York. Rabbi Adam Bellows, Assistant Rabbi of United Hebrew will be leaving in late June.

Among the six women named 2022 St. Louis Visionary Awards is Emily Rauh Pulitzer, who is receiving the award for lifetime achievement. She is the founder and chair of the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. A philanthropist, art historian and collector of modern art Pulitzer currently chairs the board of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. She will be honored on April 25^th at the Sun Theater. The St. Louis Visionary Awards recognize the contributions and achievements of women who work in or support the arts in St. Louis.

Jon Hoffman, former mashgiach and event coordinator at B’nai Amoona, started his own catering company called Papa Mark Catering.  He will be focusing on private events, personal chef services, culinary workshops and family meal planning, both kosher and non-kosher. Hoffman honored his grandfather by naming his company after him because he was his hero and biggest fan. 

Ellen Alper, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis CEO; Marc Bernstein, CEO and founder of Balto; Norty Cohen, CEO and founder of Moosylvania; Terry Crouppen, founding partner of Brown & Crouppen Law Firm; Doug Schukar, chairman and CEO of USA Mortgage and Larry Weinberg, president of Accounting Career Consultants/HR Career Consultants are six of the 2022 Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes St. Louis’ Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision and passion. They will be celebrated on April 28 at the Factory in Chesterfield.

Benjamin Levy was awarded the first ever Sunflower Award by St. Luke’s Hospital. It is given to a medical technician that is nominated by staff and patients for outstanding patient care. A member of Traditional Congregation, Levy will attend medical school in the fall.

Shelly Kaner’s new homemade soup delivery business is called Shelly’s Homemade. A $39 gift package includes two 32-ounce containers of chicken soup with a choice of noodles, matzah balls, or both, eight chocolate chip cookies, four rolls, a note containing your personalized message and delivery within the St. Louis metro area. 

Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to [email protected]. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Published the first edition of each month. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.