After seven incredible years, plus one as Campaign Chairman, Barry Smorgon has stepped down as Appeal Chairman with Peter Ivany taking over the role.

At the JCA�s recent Board of Governors meeting, Barry particularly thanked his hard-working team including Peter Wise and the other members of the Executive, Carin Cohen, Peter Ivany, Ron Ferster and more recently, Louise Thurgood, for their support and dedication to the JCA. He said that it had been a privilege and an honour to serve as Appeal Chairman and that he felt satisfied the Lay Leadership had represented the community in a professional and diligent manner.

In particular, he stated: �Two of the core strengths of JCA are the spread of donors that we have and the enormous volunteer workforce that we are able to draw upon each year, and I wish to publicly thank and acknowledge the hundreds of people who roll their sleeves up each year to help this wonderful organisation.�

�Peter Ivany will bring a refreshing new approach to the role and I wish him and his new team every success in the future. Peter has been the Major Gift Chairman for six years and has done a magnificent job in that capacity.�

He also regrettably announced that Carin Cohen will be stepping down from the Appeal Executive after eight years of outstanding and tireless work for JCA as well as Masada College. �She will be sorely missed and my personal thanks go to her for her friendship, enthusiasm and dedication,� Mr Smorgon said.

�As Governors are already aware, Ron Ferster (the Treasurer for the past five years) has previously announced his resignation, as he has become the Federal President of JNF. Ron�s contribution and wise counsel to the Executive was relied on as the organisation grew and became more complex. Again, Ron a big thank you for your support�.

�To our president, Peter Wise, who particularly in the early years was my guide and mentor, I thank you sincerely. We are all fortunate to have you as our president and your dedication and commitment to JCA is simply amazing.�

Finally, Barry paid enormous tribute to his family for their love, support and patience as well as the Governors, for the privilege of serving the JCA.