business & professional
New Leadership
NANOMEDICINE is
HUGE .
So are the returns
from an AFHU Hebrew
University Gift Annuity.
Hadas Bernard tapped to head
Michigan Israel Business Bridge.
H
Hadas Bernard
adas Bernard has been named executive director of the
Michigan Israel Business Bridge (MIBB), a nonprofit
organization focused on expanding manufacturing,
technology, research and development, distribution and invest-
ment between Michigan and Israel.
Bernard has more than 20 years of leadership and
development experience. She is the immediate past
board chair of JVS, a $21-million nonprofit support-
ing job creation and self-sufficiency. Under her lead-
ership, she led the transition of a new administration
team, assisted the fundraising committee in raising
$1.5 million and launched a recycling business.
She also authored and received numerous grants
through her prior work experience at the Energy
and Housing Department at the Oakland Livingston
Human Service Agency (OLHSA). Additionally, she
served as associate director of development and
research for Frankel Associates in Troy.
In her new position, Bernard is charged with
expanding MIBB’s role in the Michigan and Israeli business
communities and providing more services for its members.
Last year, MIBB received a grant from the Michigan
Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Pure Michigan
Business Connect program to launch a pilot program called
Michigan Israel Connect (MIC). The program creates an
international platform giving Michigan companies access to
technologies and products developed by Israeli companies and
research institutes.
“As executive director, I will work with our board to accom-
plish three key goals,” Bernard said. “First, we will expand the
MIC program to include more Michigan and Israeli businesses.
This will create new opportunities for those companies, which
will grow Michigan’s economy and bring more jobs to our state.
Second, we will offer our members more networking and advo-
cacy opportunities between Michigan and Israel companies and
organizations. And third, we will create stronger Israeli engage-
ment in both Michigan and Israel.
“Aside from facilitating partnerships and investments, the
MIBB will simply make it easier to do business,” she said.
Bernard’s background will play a crucial role in achieving
those goals. She is an Israeli citizen and has studied, traveled,
worked, volunteered and led multiple missions to Israel. In
2013, she accompanied Gov. Rick Snyder on the Michigan Israel
Business Bridge Trade Mission.
“Hadas is an outstanding leader who brings great energy,
innovation and experience to MIBB that will take our organiza-
tion to the next level,” said Beth Gotthelf, president of the orga-
nization’s Board of Directors. “During her career, she has dem-
onstrated the ability to develop and lead policy and networking
initiatives. She will be a true champion for MIBB, its members,
and Michigan and Israeli companies.”
Bernard is an alumna of the University of Michigan Ross
School of Business and is the founder of Trade Secrets, a fund-
raiser that provides support for JVS’ Woman to Work program.
She is currently a board member of Winning Futures and the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. She has also served
on the Board of Governors for Hillel of Metro Detroit, Kids
Kicking Cancer and the National UJA’s Women’s Cabinet.
Bernard succeeds Pam Lippitt, who served as executive direc-
tor for the past five years.
For details about the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, visit
www.michiganisrael.com, email info@michiganisrael.com or
call (248) 642-1701. •
See video about the exciting new partnership between The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem and Cleveland Clinic to create the Center
for Transformative Nanomedicine. Go to afhu.org/cga6
Dr. Galia Blum is developing precision diagnostics to detect
life-threatening atherosclerosis plaques at the molecular level.
Advances in nanomedicine by Dr. Blum and other outstanding
Hebrew University researchers are revolutionizing the fi ght
against cancer and the #1 killer in the Western world:
cardiovascular disease.
When you create a secure AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuity,
you’ll support brilliant young Israeli researchers such as Dr. Blum.
At the same time, you’ll obtain:
• High lifetime fi xed rate of return
• An income tax charitable deduction
• Substantial tax-free annuity payments
Your gift annuity’s high rate of return assures you substantial
retirement income for life.
AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuity Returns
Age
65
70
75
80
85
90
Rate
6.0%
6.5%
7.1%
8.0%
9.5%
11.3%
Rates are based on a single life. Cash contributions
produce annuity payments that are substantially tax-free.
Call or email now.
THE RETURNS ARE GENEROUS. THE CAUSE IS PRICELESS.
For information on current or deferred AFHU Hebrew University
Gift Annuities, contact AFHU Midwest Region Executive Director,
Judith Shenkman at (312) 329-0332 or email: jshenkman@afhu.org.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
RESEARCH ENGINE FOR THE WORLD. ENGINE OF GROWTH FOR A NATION.
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Chicago, IL 60606
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January 26 • 2017
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