o
“I am very much looking forward to the responsibilities, challenges and excitement. I feel I can bring some ideas, discipline and accountability to this position,” said David J. Lubar, of his new role as president of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Lubar, who was installed as president at the MJF annual meeting on Aug. 10, said that he has three main priorities during his two-year term.
First, Lubar said that it is important “that we maintain the highest level of integrity and effectiveness in our operations on behalf of the Jewish community.
“One of my primary duties is, given the enormity of the upcoming Jewish Community Capital Campaign capital campaign, that our core operations aren’t diminished.”
Another priority is the capital campaign itself, which “has been “many years in development.”
In addition, he plans to “focus on strengthening partnerships and alliances with agencies to ensure the federation effectively delivers its services.”
Lubar said he plans to “recruit the volunteer community to provide leadership in carrying out these three objectives.”
According to Richard H. Meyer, MJF executive vice president, “David is building a very strong leadership team.”
As for his immediate plans, Lubar said “the most important task is to ensure there is a smooth transition between leadership under Judy Segall Guten and I, and also to reach out and have the appropriate relationships with the various agencies, staff, and lay leadership community.”
For the past year, Lubar has served as president-elect for the federation, a role that, he said “is an excellent approach to providing a transition into the job.”
I was able to observe more closely Judy’s ideas and how she carried herself, and that made the transition easier for me,” he added.
Lubar said his combined experiences with the federation and with his business, “will help me enormously” as federation president.
Lubar has been involved with the federation “since the early 80’s,” he said. He has served as a member of the Campaign Cabinet on behalf of the Annual Community Campaign and on the board of trustees for the Jewish Community Foundation, the federation’s endowment development program. In 1999, he was co-chair of the campaign’s King David Society, and he was awarded the Benjamin E. Nickoll award in 1994.
Professionally, Lubar is the president of Lubar & Co., a Milwaukee-based investment firm. He is also chairman of C2, Inc., a publicly-traded entrepreneurial investment and operating company.
By having past involvement in both the profit and non-profit sectors, Lubar said “I understand the difference between providing leadership and providing answers. The answers don’t necessarily come from the president.”
Instead, he aims “to bring in some new ideas, excitement, motivation and some focus to certain areas.”
Meyer agrees this is possible. “David is unequivocally the right person at the right time for the federation and our Jewish community,” he said.
“His ability to bring people together, his focus, his business acumen and record, as well as desire to push through results-oriented outcomes will drive effective decision-making and our continuing success and excellence in dealing with these significant issues,” he added.
But, Lubar added, “As an individual, I think I will benefit far more than anything I could actually bring…. No deposit, no return. If you don’t give, you don’t get anything back.”
Lubar and his wife, Madeleine, have three children.
Loading ...