- Meet Our Leaders
Mark with his two youngest daughters
Although Mark Menell still considers himself a New Yorker at heart, the accomplished venture capitalist has been a Californian for over two decades and has contributed to the success of JFCS as a Board member since the early 2000s. Currently a general partner at the investment firm, Partech Ventures, he has spent his distinguished career building, advising, and investing in technology, media, and telecommunications businesses. As a parent, Mark says, “there are certain values and experiences I want to pass along to my daughters and my involvement with JFCS helps me set an example for them of what caring for the Jewish community looks like.”
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I was born in Riverdale, New York in the Bronx and some of my earliest memories are of going to my local synagogue and Jewish preschool as a little boy. My dad grew up in an Orthodox family, my mom Reform, and I was raised somewhere in the middle. When I was in fourth grade we moved to the suburbs in Scarsdale where I went to Hebrew school and was bar mitzvahed and confirmed—there isn’t a time where I wasn’t actively involved in some way in my Jewish community.
I have particularly fond memories of religious school retreats at Kutz Camp, where I took part in service learning and leadership activities while having fun in a safe and supportive community.
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
I moved to California to co-head Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.’s Technology Mergers and Acquisitions Group for a career opportunity in 1996 during the first tech boom. This was supposed to be a two-year stint on the West Coast, and here I am, over twenty years later!
Anita, JFCS’ Executive Director, has a wonderful knack for finding people ripe for engagement and that was true in my case. She invited me to a dinner with lay leaders and current Board members to talk about the agency, and that was my indoctrination. Soon after I was asked to join the Board and was delighted to say yes. Although I had to leave the role in 2012, due to a substantial amount of business travel, I was happy to return in 2014.
How do you encourage others to become involved with JFCS?
As the father of three girls, I often introduce people to the organization by talking about Parents Place. Parents are always looking for useful tools and JFCS’ family resource centers have expert professionals, workshops, and programs that support parents and children.
I also enjoy inviting friends and colleagues to the Fammy Awards Gala. Attending the gala is the perfect way to get an overview of the inspiring work JFCS accomplishes for those who haven’t yet been exposed to the agency. I have treasured memories of co-hosting the gala back in 2006 when I assisted in all aspects of planning—it was a great experience!
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
A number of years ago I worked closely with the former Chief Financial Officer, Marga Dusedau, on the early stages of what became a lengthy overhaul of the pension and retirement benefits. I really enjoyed getting “in the trenches” with the staff to help make business decisions that were difficult and complex, but just had to be made. It was very satisfying to leverage my expertise in business and finance to contribute in this way.
I also recall a year when my oldest daughter and I volunteered to stuff Seder Sacks for elderly clients during the holidays. Looking at the excitement on my daughter’s face as she participated in the assembly line was quite something. Although the task of filling bags may seem small, the gift of holiday foods to homebound seniors certainly is not. Seeing her enthusiasm was very meaningful to witness.
Is there a JFCS project that you find especially inspiring?
I have two daughters under the age of nine and I want to give them every opportunity to connect and give back to their Jewish community. When they are teens I’ll definitely encourage them to participate in JFCS’ YouthFirst programming where they can take part in internships, career exploration, and leadership opportunities through a Jewish lens. Programs like these were very powerful for me growing up and I want them to get the same sense of confidence in their identities!