- Meet Our Leaders
When David Kremer was asked to join the JFCS Board of Directors he knew the time was right to increase his level of engagement, saying, “I’m finding it very rewarding and I’m working hard at it, too.” David works hard at a lot of things—he is a Senior Partner and Head of the Commercial Real Estate Practice at the law firm, Shartsis Friese, LLP. The San Franciscan is also an avid sculler and on most weekends you’ll find him out rowing on the Bay. David is an energetic “do-er” whose kindness, generosity, and creative problem solving have made him a well respected and much appreciated leader at JFCS. Two years have passed since David joined the JFCS Board, but he and his wife, Marla Miller, have been steadfast and enthusiastic supporters of JFCS for more than two decades.
Marla Miller and David Kremer
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and my family lived in what was, at that time, a typical East Coast Jewish neighborhood until I was 12. There was a kosher butcher down the street and a corner grocery store with pickle barrels out front. Like everyone I knew, my family belonged to a synagogue, and I went to Hebrew school two days a week and to synagogue every Saturday. I remember my childhood very fondly and I had a lot of fun. After I graduated from college in Pennsylvania I migrated west earning my law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
When we had our first child Marla signed up for JFCS’ Parents Place New Mom and New Baby Support Group. We got to know many new friends and acquaintances this way, which was wonderful.
Have you and your family participated in other JFCS programs or activities?
Yes, when our two children were growing up our family would volunteer during the holidays putting together and delivering Seder Sacks for people in need.
My daughter was just into her teen years when she participated in a program where she visited and got to know a local Holocaust survivor—a program much like JFCS Holocaust Center’s program, The Next Chapter where high school students interview survivors and document their stories. The experience was quite meaningful to her.
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
Since Marla served a long tenure on the JFCS Board of Directors in the 90s I always had a general understanding of the agency’s scope of activities. Now that I’m on the board myself, I have gotten a much richer awareness of all that the organization does—it still amazes me what JFCS accomplishes so effectively, it’s just remarkable!
Anything else you would like to add?
When I speak to others in the community about JFCS I always get the same response and that is that JFCS is the “gold standard” of human services agencies. It is a great place to give your time and resources. Now more than ever I’m deeply committed to the work of JFCS.