JCP 2025 Annual Benefit — Thursday, May 1, 2025・6:00-11:00pm・Tribeca 360º — Secure Your Tickets Today

Peter A. Retzlaff

Peter came to JCP with nearly twenty years of leadership experience in a variety of Youth Development organizations where he was continually inspired by the tenacity and flexibility of young people and the liberatory focus of the work. Most recently, Peter was the Executive Director of Summer Search NYC (2015–2023), doubling the size of the organization in that time. He is excited to apply that successful track-record to a Jewish community organization and grow in his own practice, all while helping to bring JCP into its very bright future.

Originally from Trenton, NJ, Peter lived in Washington state for more than twenty years where, prior to work in the nonprofit space, he owned a restaurant outside of Seattle. For three years, Peter served as a Trustee of Temple Beth-El in Jersey City and Chaired their ‘Kadimah!’ Capital Campaign. Outside of work, Peter can be found running, going to live music events, searching for the perfect pizza, or hanging out at home with his family.

Jeffrey Alton

Jeffrey Alton brings a broad financial background to JCP, including experience in non-profit finance, commercial banking and investments. He has worked both as a service provider and customer in many areas, sharpening his skills in budgeting, project analysis and retirement plans. His work experience includes positions of increasing responsibility at financial institutions including international banks and private investment firms. Jeffrey is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the New York Society of Securities Analysts. He received a BBA from the University of Notre Dame. Jeffrey lives in New York City with his wife and three daughters.

Amy Herman

Amy has over 10 years of startup leadership experience from companies such as ServiceTitan (TTAN) and ToroTMS. Her work at both companies was centered on building education-based, organization-wide programs that helped people to do their best work. Although many of those programs were focused on software implementation and customer success, she also led multiple community development programs including ServiceTitan’s COVID response and the “LadyTitans” program that united 750+ women in the trades and provided them community and professional development opportunities.
Before beginning her tech career, she spent a year living in Rehovot, Israel teaching English at an elementary school and to adults in the community. That experience made good use of her Bachelor of Science in Education from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and prepared her well to earn a Master of Communication Management from the University of Southern California. She’s since led six Birthright Israel trips and has completed both the Birthright Israel Fellowship and Shapiro Family Fellowship (from UJA).
Outside of work, she spends her time exploring new cities, taking workout classes, and sending stickers of her dog to anyone who will use them.

Maxx Grossman

Maxx Grossman is a mission-driven professional with over five years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including more than three years in fundraising and development. Bringing a unique blend of strategic communications, storytelling, and project management to JCP, Maxx has developed and executed initiatives that strengthen connections and amplify impact. Prior to JCP, Maxx served as Assistant Director of Strategic Philanthropy at University of the People, where she led key fundraising initiatives and cultivated donor relationships to support the university’s mission of accessible education. Additionally, Maxx worked as a Brand Strategist at Sullivan, collaborating with major brands like Merrill Lynch and KKR on brand and engagement strategies. Her dedication to creating efficiencies and telling compelling stories has shaped a career rooted in creativity, operational expertise, and a passion for purpose.

Originally from Connecticut, Maxx now lives in New York City, where she enjoys biking, reading, escaping the city to go hiking, and most recently line dancing.

Edward Kelly

Edward Kelly is a Facilities Manager whose extensive experience has included years at the 42nd Street branch of NY Public Library, the three building Google campus and the Sherry Netherland hotel. Most recently, he served for a year as Correspondence Manager at National Debt Relief performing duties as varied as code writing and creating client introductory documents. He holds an undergraduate degree in Film Production from Hunter College.

Jolene Hernandez

Jolene is an administrative professional with 10+ years experience across various sectors AND is a creative at heart. She graduated from Rowan University with a B.S in Psychology and won a Fulbright English Assistantship grant upon graduation. As a Fulbright recipient, she taught English classes to secondary school students and conducted dance workshops throughout Malaysia. Since then, she has used her skills to support non-profit, for profit and start up companies. Her most recent accomplishment was producing a documentary on people living with STIs called No Shame in this Game.

When Jolene is not working her day job, you can find her either dancing, baking, journaling, petting her dog or planning her next passion project.

Jodi Isman

Jodi comes to JCP after a long career in publishing and lots of experience as a PTA mom, events planner, and volunteer. She has raised her two daughters in NYC, volunteers as a running guide for disabled athletes with Achilles International.