Who We Are
We are professionally managed by our Executive Director and Board of Directors, and supported by volunteer committee members. JIFLA is an active member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans, a professional support organization for over 50 Jewish interest-free loan funds throughout the world. We are active in the Atlanta Jewish community and proudly partner with fellow Jewish agencies. We are a 501c3 qualified non-profit organization.
Nancy Weissmann, Executive Director
Nancy Weissmann joined JIFLA as the Executive Director in March 2016. Nancy manages operations, including borrower, donor and community relations. She works with the board and committee volunteers to continually raise awareness of JIFLA’s important work, and identify opportunities for organizational partnerships throughout the Atlanta area. Contact Nancy at nancy@JIFLA.org to get involved, make a donation or refer a borrower.
Stephanie Gewirtz, Associate Director
Stephanie joined our team in February. Her background in event planning, administration and communication made her a perfect fit for JIFLA’s growing needs.
A New York native, with a degree in Mass Communication from Boston University, Stephanie is no stranger to the Atlanta Jewish community. From her days as a parent of a Beth Jacob preschooler to, working for the Jewish Fertility Foundation and volunteering at Congregation Bet Haverim’s Community School many of you may already know her!
Feel free to contact Stephanie with any questions about JIFLA — she is ready to help!
Elizabeth Schoen, Loan Intake and Accounts Manager
Elizabeth joined JIFLA
Board of Directors
Laura Kahn Travis, President
Laura is a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Banking Group of Bank of America. Laura earned a BBA at the University of Georgia & an MBA from Columbia University in New York. She has an extensive background in the financial services industry, specifically in Corporate & Investment Banking, having previously worked for SunTrust Banks and the Prudential. Laura is a Big Sister under the auspices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta and a former member of the Executive Board of Yeshiva Atlanta High School (Atlanta Jewish Academy).
Avi Binstock, Treasurer
Avi is a Senior Manager in EY’s Financial Services Organization. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Accounting and Finance. Avi has over thirteen years of audit experience in the asset management industry. Avi has served a wide range of asset managers including hedge funds, credit funds, private equity, real estate, timberland, and business development companies. Avi is a member of the AICPA and serves on the Committee of Hearts for the Southeast Chapter of Hedge Funds Care. Avi is married and has three children under six.
Adrienne Litt Bishko, Secretary
Ms. Adrienne Litt Bishko began her engagement with JIFLA as a volunteer on the loan committee. Adrienne graduated with a BA from The University of Michigan. She has been widely involved as a board member of numerous synagogues and as a community volunteer wherever she has lived. Prior to joining JIFLA, Ms. Bishko has served as VP of Administration at Temple Emanu-El, Executive Director at Temple Emanu-El, and Executive Director at Congregation Beth Tefillah. Following these engagements, Adrienne formed Adrienne C Bishko Consulting, LLC, specializing in small Jewish non-profits. In addition to her duties at JIFLA, Adrienne currently serves as an Administrative Volunteer at Weinstein Hospice. Adrienne has two married children, and five wonderful grandchildren.
Merrie Edelston, Loan Committee Chair
Merrie Edelston has extensive experience in consumer lending from her past experience as a senior loan and regulatory compliance officer at a major credit union. She has significant experience as a computer systems project manager. Her volunteer experiences include serving on the Board of Trustees of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, as well as PTSA President. She currently volunteers with Jewish Family & Career Services, Congregation B’nai Torah, as well as serving on the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Financial Independence Task Force. She has a business – economics degree from SUNY at Oneonta.
Jay Kessler, Marketing and Community Engagement Committee Chair and Loan Officer
Jay is president of Lib Properties, a mortgage brokerage firm. He is a native of Atlanta, married with 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. His many volunteer activities include serving on the Executive Board of the Atlanta Community Jewish Center, the Jewish Federation Board, the Executive Board of Torah Day School, and President of Temina High School. He greatly enjoys volunteering in the disabilities department of the Marcus Jewish Community Center.
Lisa Marks, Board Trustee
Lisa is an Atlanta native with a long history of community engagement.