J-Pro End of Year Luncheon Honorees
Gary J. Bomzer
Gary J. Bomzer is an organizational and individual consultant who specializes in creating change and sustainability. He also serves as a coach and mentor to other Jewish communal professionals.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gary received a rich Jewish education that included study in Israel and post collegiate Jewish studies. He holds a master's degree in social work from Yeshiva University. He realized his love for the JCC movement through his work at JCCs in the Northeast and South Florida.
In 1984, Gary became the Assistant Executive Director of the Alper JCC Miami. Ten years later, he spearhead the rebirth of the Michael Ann Russell JCC. His extraordinary vision helped transform the MAR-JCC on the Sanford L. Ziff Campus into one of the preeminent JCCs in the United States with award-winning programs in Early Childhood, Teens, Sports, Health and Wellness, Cultural Arts, Performing Arts, Israel Activities and more. These include the Special Needs Program’s inaugural trip to Israel; Tri-Center Project for teens in Yerucham, Argentina and Miami; yearly Maccabi Games for 2,000 participants and 6,000 spectators; Festival Yachad with 650 dancers from around the world; Shlichut program with community Shaliach and Shinshinim; Partnership 2000 People to People relationship with Matnas Yerucham; Hebraica School of Madrichim: Machane Ivrit; and J-CAT Theatre.
Gary participated in the JCC Association’s Executive Development Program and served on the JCCA Board of Directors. He serves on the Board of Maccabi USA and the Yerucham Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation as liaison to the HaZamir Foundation. Gary is a founder of the Victory Center for Autism and Other Disabilities and a Consultant Member of Board Source. He was honored for 22 years of service at the 2016 Michael Ann Russell JCC Tribute Dinner. He is a Board Member and past Chair of JPro.
Gary lives in Miami Beach with his wife, Renee. His daughter Tova and her husband Josh live in New Jersey with their children, Bailey, Avery Gene and Casey.
Bonnie Schwartzbaum
Bonnie Schwartzbaum began her career at Jewish Community Services (JCS) as a volunteer before becoming a full time employee in July 2011 as the Food Bank Coordinator. In this role, she managed the daily operations of a 1700-square foot facility in North Miami Beach. Today, she serves as its Director, overseeing a brand new 4500-square foot facility serving more than 380 Jewish families in the Miami Dade Community. Bonnie was instrumental in moving the food bank to its new facility and plays a key role in the fundraising for its continual operation.
In addition to her work at the Kosher Food Bank, Bonnie is also committed to other causes in her community as well has to her beautiful family. Before joining JCS, Bonnie was an experienced lay leader. She served as Board Chair of the Lehrman Community Day School for nine years. Bonnie has been honored by Israel Bonds and served as Chair of its Women’s Division for 10 years. She is actively involved in her synagogue, Temple Menorah, and serves as Chairperson for the City of North Miami University Relations Board. She has been honored by the City of North Miami for “outstanding dedication and commitment to the community.” Bonnie is mom to Adam, Alison and David and has been married to her wonderful husband, Steven, for more than 37 years.
She is most proud of the ability to help people every day, advocating on behalf of families in need. As Bonnie often shares, “I am so lucky to have the best job in the world.”
