Jewish National Fund (JNF) is pleased to announce Barbara Burry as the new incoming President of the Mountain States Board of Directors. Burry’s appointment comes at a critical time, as JNF’s lay leadership and professional team are diligently working on the implementation stage of its One Billion Dollar Road Map for the Next Decade campaign. Burry will be instrumental in helping JNF connect Colorado to the people and land of Israel, and execute unique projects to strengthen Israel for the long-term.

“Having been active in numerous organizations over the years, I have found my home with JNF,” said Burry. “The more involved I become, the more impressed I am with JNF, its vision, and what it does to improve the lives of everyone living in Israel.  My first trip to Israel was in 1963 and it was love at first sight. The changes I see each time I return are profound and so much of that change is attributable to the foresight of Jewish National Fund.”

Since moving to Denver in 1975, Burry has been active in many organizations including Allied Jewish Federation (now JEWISHcolorado), American Jewish Committee, Central Agency for Jewish Education, The Denver Health Foundation, Co-Chaired the Community Talmud Torah, Chaired the Center for Community Enrichment for the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, and served as the first woman President of BMH Congregation (now BMH-BJ).

She has been involved with JNF for many years.  After joining the Board and attending National Conferences, she realized she wanted to become more active.  Upon returning from the Spirit of Israel Mission in 2014, and seeing first-hand the inspiring work that JNF does for community building, for those with disabilities, for water and the environment, for the preservation of Jewish historical sights, for forestry and green innovations and so much more, she truly became energized.  “I wanted to share my experiences in Israel and the important work of JNF. This became the Women for Israel monthly speaker series.  This program teaches the women of our region about the various programs and partners of Jewish National Fund.”

“Barbara brings years of experience with JNF and the Jewish community at large,” said current JNF Mountain States President, Ron Werner.  “She is a member of JNF’s elite Makor group and has spear-headed our Women for Israel initiative, which is the model being adopted nationwide.”

JNF Mountain States Executive Director Boaz Meir said, “Barbara is an invaluable asset to our JNF family. Her impressive leadership skills and passion for Israel make for the perfect board president. I am excited to work with her to accomplish great things for Israel.”

During her tenure as president, Burry is looking forward to educating the community about JNF’s vision and the significance of financially supporting the organization.

To learn more about what JNF is doing in Colorado, please visit jnf.org/Colorado.