Mark N. Schwartz
(photo courtesy of the JCF)

The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles has announced that longtime trustee Mark N. Schwartz will serve as chair of the foundation’s Board of Trustees. Schwartz, an entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist, succeeds Evan Schlessinger, who served as chair for the past four years.

Schwartz has been engaged with the foundation for 25 years, con­tributing financial acumen and strategic expertise to grantmaking initiatives and investment manage­ment. He has served in multiple leadership capacities, including on foundation grants, executive and finance committees. As an experi­enced entrepreneur with a back­ground in venture capital and busi­ness leadership, Schwartz brings a wealth of experience that will strengthen the foundation’s focus on innovative philanthropy and impactful grantmaking.

“For many years, the foundation has been a trusted partner in my family’s philanthropy,” Schwartz said. “It is an honor to step into this role and help guide an organization that is deeply committed to strengthening the Jewish communi­ty in Los Angeles and the communi­ty at large. Having been involved in the foundation’s grantmaking and financial stewardship for more than two decades, I look forward to con­tinuing to grow the foundation and expand its impact throughout our community and in Israel.”

Schwartz and his wife, Lisa, a Beverly Hills city commissioner, are committed to tikkun olam – the Jewish value of repairing the world.

“Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision and deep commit­ment to philanthropy make him an exceptional lay leader for the foun­dation’s next chapter. His expertise in financial stewardship and com­munity engagement will help propel our mission forward, ensuring that we continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact in our Jewish community and beyond,” Jewish Community Foundation president and CEO Aaron Lerner said.

The foundation has been at the forefront of Jewish philanthropy in Los Angeles for more than 70 years and recently embarked on an effort to provide financial aid to syna­gogues and congregations affected by the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. Working in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the foundation awarded more than $400,000 in combined funding to 26 synagogues whose members live throughout Los Angeles. Synagogue leaders will distribute the funds to best sup­port congregants. More than 1,000 Jewish families lost homes during the fires, and 50 Jewish-owned business were destroyed.

“This collaborative effort is just one of the ways the foundation is ensuring our community institu­tions can direct much-needed sup­port to families and individuals who have suffered significant losses,” Lerner said. “By working closely with our community’s synagogues and JFEDLA, we can ensure that support extends directly to those facing tremendous loss.”

“This strategically earmarked funding will directly help members of our greater Los Angeles commu­nity who were displaced or severely impacted by the wildfires receive urgent financial assistance,” JFED­LA president and CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas added. “We are here for all of Los Angeles at this time, Jews and non-Jews alike, as we continue to provide aid to a wide swath of recovery efforts.”

For a complete list of grant recip­ients, visit jcfla.org.