Episode Details

My guest today is Gary Cohn. Gary brings over thirty years of non-profit and development experience to his work as a trusted advisor. He began his work as a middle market banker from 1977-1992. After being trained in credit, he led a sales and marketing team for several large California banks leaving in 1992 to move into the non-profit sector.

Gary became the Executive Director of Temple Emanu-El in San Francisco. Temple Emanu-El, founded in 1850, is one of the leading congregations in Reform Judaism, with over 2,000 families. Gary was responsible for an annual budget of $15 million and endowment equities and real estate of over $40 million.

In 2008 he became the Regional Director of the American Technion Society in the Pacific Northwest, raising funds to support the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. From 20015 until 2020, Gary held Senior Vice President/Major Gift roles at the Alzheimer's Association and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

In 2020, Gary founded Painted Rock Advisors. Painted Rock Advisors provides services to the philanthropic and non-profit communities. His podcast, The Road To Philanthropy, debuted in 2021 and now has over 4,500 listeners.

Gary previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross-Bay Area, the San Francisco Food Bank, and Bentley School. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hillel 818 and Safe Parking Los Angeles and is Chair of Governance at both nonprofits.

Gary attended California State University at Long Beach, where he received his BS from the College of Business. He was honored as Alumnus of the Year for the College of Business in 2009.

Gary lives in Woodland Hills with his partner, Paula, and has a daughter, Erica, who works in the entertainment industry.

Here's what to expect during the episode:

• What does leadership mean?
• What are the role and responsibilities of an executive director?
• How can you ensure board effectiveness?

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