Meet CJP’s Dynamic 2009 Annual Campaign Chairs

Arthur Segel and Stephen Lebovitz are two dynamic community leaders who will guide CJP’s 2009 Annual Campaign.

With a campaign goal of $43 million, they know they have their work cut out for them, and are excited about leading the campaign during the launch of our new Strategic Plan, Jewish Boston Connected.

Here, they give some insight into why CJP’s new priorities are important to them, and how the Jewish community has impacted their lives.

On chairing the Annual Campaign:

Arthur: I knew it was my turn. So when Barry asked me, I said yes, but with this constraint: my co-chair had to be someone I liked. So I thought of Stephen. We met years ago when he was my student at Harvard, and I knew he’d be a great guy to work with.

Stephen: Over the years, I have gotten some strong hints from Barry [Shrage] that he would like me to do this. So when Arthur and Barry took me to breakfast one morning, I knew the choice was already made. I see it as a great honor, and with the new Strategic Plan, it’s an exciting time to be involved.

On CJP’s new Strategic Plan, Jewish Boston Connected:

Stephen: I really agree with the fundamental reasoning of emphasizing the next generation. Get ‘em while they’re young! The earlier we establish their connection to their Jewish community, the stronger it will be.

The other thing that is compelling to me is caring for the needy. I’ve also been a volunteer leader with Jewish Family and Children’s Service, and I’ve seen a lot of people who need services and don’t have any other place to turn.

On how their involvement with the Jewish community evolved:

Arthur: In the late 80s and early 90s, my wife [the Honorable Patti Saris, a federal judge] and I decided we needed some intellectual stimulation, so we enrolled in the Wexner adult Jewish learning program. Even though I had grown up going to Temple, I feel that’s when I really became Jewish!

When CJP wanted to start the Me’ah program, they modeled it in part on the Wexner program, and Barry interviewed Patti and me. Like everyone else, we were very impressed by Barry, and I’ve been involved ever since.

Stephen: My family is involved with the Jewish Federation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When I moved to Boston, I decided to get involved with CJP’s Young Leadership Division. That’s where I met Debbie Horwitz (co-chair of the 2008 Annual Campaign), one of my best friends.

Once I graduated from YLD, I got involved with the Real Estate, Construction and Design Team, and I’ve been a campaigner for more than 15 years now.

Stephen D. Lebovitz is president of CBL & Associates Properties. His is a trustee and divisional vice president of the International Council of Shopping Centers. At CJP, he is a current member of the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors.

Arthur I. Segel is a professor of management practice in the Finance Unit at Harvard Business School. Previously, he was co-founder and co-owner of TA Associates Realty. He is a current member of the CJP Board of Governors and formerly served on the CJP Board of Directors.