"Tamar brings great strengths, competencies and passions to the URJ," said URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs, adding "she is exactly who need at this exciting and challenging time." "I have tremendous confidence that Tamar will provide the leadership and direction needed to build on the Union's current and past success and will engage a broad group of supporters to ensure the advancement and development of new initiatives."
"I'm looking forward to working with Tamar as she engages our current leadership to help maximize their philanthropic involvement with the Union," said URJ Chair of the Board Steve Sacks. "Together, we will explore opportunities to develop an exciting array of new leadership opportunities."
Copeland's eclectic professional background includes serving as Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the Gallatin School of New York University, Director of Development for the New York Women's Foundation, and, most recently, as Executive Director of The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwanda. Under her leadership, the ASYV transitioned from the American Joint Distribution Committee to an independent, flourishing organization.
After graduating from Carnegie Mellon, where Copeland received her Master's in Public Management, Copeland became the Founding Artistic Director/Producer of Flying Pig Theatre, Inc.
"I was immediately struck by the depth of Tamar's understanding of the challenges that accompany organizations in transition," added Jacobs. "I am excited that she will bring that experience to our team."