- Meet Our Leaders
Ronald Kahn has been an incredible JFCS supporter and advocate for almost a quarter-century. As the founding volunteer chair of JFCS’ Investment Subcommittee, Ron has been instrumental in creating a system of thoughtful oversight to ensure that JFCS’ endowment fund is professionally monitored and wisely invested. Ron is currently Managing Director and Global Head of Scientific Equity Research at BlackRock, the world’s largest investment manager. As one of this country’s experts on quantitative investing, Ron has authored groundbreaking books and articles on the subject. He also teaches financial engineering at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
Ron is an exemplary leader who combines his finance expertise with a generous humanitarian heart to serve our community. Along with volunteering his time, Ron and his wife, Julia, have established the Kahn Endowment Fund.
Ronald Kahn with his wife, Julia
Tell us a bit about the community where you grew up and your background.
I was raised in Schenectady, New York—a great place to grow up. My father was a Jewish refugee from Germany who settled in upstate New York in 1941. My family was always in some sense involved in the Jewish community.
My father, seeing his own community destroyed in Europe, played a central role in local philanthropy in both Jewish and secular organizations. Basically he was the head of every Jewish organization in our area at one point (the Jewish Community Center, local federation, and our temple, among others). He was an incredible model for me and I learned from him the importance of supporting your community.
How did you first get involved with JFCS?
I moved to San Francisco in 1985 to take a post-doctorate fellowship at UC Berkeley after I completed my Ph.D in Physics. I read about JFCS and I was really taken by the mission of the organization. As I moved into adult life, supporting Jewish organizations was an area of importance to me and I began donating small amounts—I’ve been a donor and supporter since the early 90’s.
Over time I participated in the Program and Planning Committee and I learned more about all that JFCS does. I was also on the JFCS Board of Directors for a number of years.
Why is endowment planning important?
Endowment funds plays a critical role in an organization like JFCS as traditional sources of funding (like governmental and foundation grants) may not be stable over time. Most social service organizations struggle during bad economic times when some funding sources dry up. But this is typically when the needs of the community are greatest. A healthy endowment fund means the agency will be stable when funding sources are unpredictable, or go down, and the investments will make sure that JFCS exists many years into the future.
Endowment funds have historically helped great institutions grow and improve, and JFCS’ donors are ensuring that we will be able to help the most vulnerable in our community for generations to come. The goal of JFCS’ Family Matters Endowment Campaign is to reach $100 million and current holdings and future pledged gifts now total $68 million—this is an impressive achievement and a worthy goal for the longevity of JFCS—an organization that has been serving the Bay Area for 166 years.
Has JFCS helped you or have you used the services in some way?
Yes, I’ve received help in dealing with issues with my elderly parents and in-laws. It was very helpful to talk with JFCS’ Seniors At Home team after my father-in-law had heart surgery. I was given good advice on rehab facilities and people who could help him maneuver through different choices. I’ve also received referrals when my family was looking at the right place for my mother who had been diagnosed with dementia.
When my son, Eli, was in middle school he took part in volunteer work at JFCS through the YouthFirst teen program, too.
What is the most rewarding part of your involvement with JFCS?
The most rewarding thing for me is that I’ve been able to use my expertise to improve JFCS’ financial stability. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to establish JFCS’ policies and guidelines, and to help JFCS manage its assets successfully.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Julia, was a professor at the California College of the Arts for many years. She is now a full-time working artist. I have three kids. Max, my oldest son is a software engineer in San Francisco and Eli, the younger, is an aspiring writer and actor in Los Angeles. Katie, my step-daughter, is currently in high school.
How do you encourage others to become involved with JFCS?
I tell people that the quality of services that JFCS provides are incredibly high and they compete successfully against many organizations and for-profit companies. I talk about the visionary leadership which JFCS possesses. I also let people know that JFCS provides services to everyone, not just the indigent.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think JFCS is a great institution to support and it appeals to donors because it clearly makes a big difference in the lives of those it impacts. Since it is so well run, those who give know that every dollar is going to good use.
JFCS is a fantastic organization, and does really great things!