- Meet Our Leaders
As a native San Franciscan, Valli Benesch has been involved in the local Jewish community throughout her life. She attributes her deeply rooted commitment to giving back to her community to two things: “Being Jewish and the values of Judaism.”
Valli joined the Board of Directors of Jewish Family and Children’s Services at the urging of her husband, Bob Tandler, who recently completed two terms on the board. Our community is fortunate to have the involvement of these two dedicated leaders with expertise in real estate, finance, and business and a wholehearted affinity for the JFCS’ mission.
Bob Tandler and Valli Benesch with their daughters, Jaclyn and Michelle.
Valli, a graduate and fellow of the Wexner Heritage Program, holds a JD from the University of Chicago Law School and a BA in History, with Phi Beta Kappa honors, from Stanford University. After starting her career in corporate law, she joined Fritzi of California, the women’s and children’s apparel business that was founded by her parents. The company received an award from JFCS for its commitment to creating good job opportunities for refugees and helping them to start new lives. Valli was promoted to CEO and ran the business with Bob for 20 years, until its sale in 1998.Bob and Valli have since been co-CEOs of Fritzi Realty, a real estate investment, management, and development firm.
In addition to serving on JFCS’ board, Valli currently serves on the boards of directors of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and on the Advisory Council of the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. She also is a proud member of YPO Gold Northern California.
“I believe it is a moral duty for those who have the ability to give time and money to those in need,” says Valli. “And I’m happy to do so. It’s an enriching part of life.”
JFCS’ mission resonates deeply with Valli. “Living through my parents’ aging and passing, I feel especially connected to JFCS’ services for seniors,” says Valli. Due to her family’s history, she also feels personally connected to the JFCS Holocaust Center’s work to fight antisemitism. As the mother of two grown daughters, Valli is excited about the Center for Children and Youth initiative to help children. She adds, “I also am very glad that services for people with disabilities are part of the mission.”
We could not be happier to welcome Valli to the Board of Directors! Valli’s knowledge, experience, and understanding of important issues affecting seniors, children, and families will enhance JFCS’ work on behalf of our community—especially during this critical period of healing and recovery from the pandemic.