Jewish Federation of St. Louis welcomes Larry Gast as Vice President of Development and announces the internal appointment of Karen Sher to Vice President of Community Impact.

Gast joins Federation from Moishe House, a global organization focused on peer-led, pluralistic community building for Jewish young adults. There he served as the organization’s Vice President of Advancement, leading a global fundraising team and working closely with many of the organization’s largest supporters.

Previously, he served the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in New York City for nine years, helping launch JDC Entwine and serving as Director of Communications for the initiative for five years. Gast is a St. Louis native who lives here with his wife and three children.

Sher previously served as the Federation’s Vice President of Community Leadership and Engagement and will now lead as Vice President of Community Impact.

She has been with Federation for more than 18 years and has been integral in the growth of the Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership, JProStL, PJ Library, Teen Initiatives and the Israel Center. Sher will continue her work in the interim providing support to the Community Leadership and Engagement department.

“We are thrilled to have Karen and Larry share their talents with Federation and the communities we serve,” said Brian Herstig, Federation President & CEO. “Larry’s experience in cultivating relationships to support vital programs, coupled with Karen’s commitment to making a lasting impact in St. Louis is a powerful combination to help lead us forward.”