Our Leadership
Honorary CEO and Senior Advisor
President
Vice Chairman
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Daniel S. Mariaschin, Honorary CEO and Senior Advisor
Daniel S. Mariaschin is B’nai B’rith International’s Honorary CEO and Senior Advisor, roles he assumed on July 1, 2026, after 27 years of extraordinary leadership at the helm of the organization and nearly 40 years with B’nai B’rith.
In May 2026, during a gala tribute in his honor, B’nai B’rith launched the Daniel S. Mariaschin Institute for Leadership and Public Policy (DSM Institute), named in honor of Mr. Mariaschin for decades of leadership as CEO that helped shape B’nai B’rith’s global voice on human rights, diplomacy and Jewish communal advocacy.
Mr. Mariaschin was raised in Swanzey, New Hampshire, where he acquired a pride in his heritage in a town where only four Jewish families lived. Going on to earn degrees at the University of New Hampshire and Brandeis University, Mr. Mariaschin put his commitment into action, working tirelessly for the Jewish people’s most important causes, including the safeguarding of their civil rights, fighting anti-Semitism, advancing relations for the State of Israel, preserving the memory of the Shoah through educational and other programs, and procuring restitution for Holocaust survivors.
B’nai B’rith’s top executive since 1999, Mr. Mariaschin directed and supervised B’nai B’rith programs, activities and staff around the world. He also served as director of B’nai B’rith’s International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy (now the DSM Institute). In this dual capacity, he presented B’nai B’rith’s views and analysis to world leaders, international forums and conferences, the U.S. Congress and the media, and coordinated B’nai B’rith’s programs and policies on issues of concern to the Jewish community and Israel. Additionally, he oversaw B’nai B’rith’s other areas of expertise, including affordable senior housing and issues related to older adults, plus disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
Mr. Mariaschin has devoted much of his career to working for restitution on behalf of Holocaust survivors and their families. He participated in negotiations with the government of Lithuania that resulted in the transfer and distribution of torah scrolls from Holocaust-ravaged locations to Israel and Jewish Diaspora communities. Through his efforts, the first edition of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was translated into Lithuanian. He also served on the Elie Wiesel Commission, which researched and produced a study of the Holocaust in Romania.
Mr. Mariaschin has shared his expert analysis on a myriad of topics in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel and JNS.
During a career in Jewish communal work which has spanned nearly 50 years, his numerous accomplishments have been recognized by governments and prominent institutions worldwide. In 2015, Mr. Mariaschin was included on The Algemeiner’s list of the “Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life.” Honored by his alma maters, he holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of New Hampshire, and Brandeis University awarded him the American Jewish Communal Leadership Award.
Robert Spitzer, President
Robert Spitzer of Mercer Island, Washington, was elected president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting.
Spitzer immediately begins a three-year term leading the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization.
As president, Spitzer plans to enhance grassroots engagement and further strengthen ties between American and global B’nai B’rith members, continuing the organization’s vital work addressing rising anti-Semitism and supporting Israel.
“In its 182-year history, B’nai B’rith has been one of the Jewish world’s leading community builders,” Spitzer said. “Given the turmoil in the Middle East and the rise of anti-Semitism around the world, it’s work is more important now that at any other time since the Holocaust.”
Spitzer previously served as senior vice president and most recently as chairman of the B’nai B’rith Strategic Planning Committee. He is a former president of B’nai B’rith Seattle, where he chaired a popular monthly Jewish business and professional breakfast. The son of former B’nai B’rith President Jack Spitzer, Rob Spitzer aspired to join B’nai B’rith’s leadership from an early age, having grown up in a household where B’nai B’rith’s values were a familiar part of life.
With nearly 30 years of active involvement in the Seattle Jewish Federation, Spitzer has held numerous leadership roles, including campaign chair, president/chairman and currently as vice chair of the board. He has served as trustee for 10 years and president of the governing board of the King County Library System, one of the largest public library systems in the United States. Spitzer is the chairman of ProLab Health & Beauty, Ltd., a contract manufacturing business specializing in health and beauty products.
Spitzer is a lawyer and real estate developer, and for 30 years was a shareholder at the law firm Foster Garvey PC. He has more than 30 years of experience developing multi-family real estate.
Spitzer worked in Washington, D.C., for U.S. Sen. John Tunney in his Senate office, as well as in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After law school, Spitzer clerked for the chief justice of the Washington State Supreme Court.
Spitzer is a Wexner Heritage Fellow, earned a B.A. with Honors from Stanford University and holds a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.
Bruce Pascal, Vice Chairman
Bruce Pascal of Potomac, Maryland, was elected vice chairman of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. The vice chairman is the number two volunteer leadership position in B’nai B’rith. It is the vice chairman’s responsibility to serve as the direct liaison with volunteers and carry out other internal and external functions.
Pascal has been involved with B’nai B’rith for more than a decade and previously served as senior vice president for the organization. He brings extensive experience in leading fundraising efforts to support Jewish causes.
“As vice chairman, I am committed to leveraging the power of B’nai B’rith to address today’s pressing issues and amplify our impact on a global scale,” Pascal said. He added, “I am eager to bring my passion, experience and dedication to this esteemed role and to contribute meaningfully to the future successes of B’nai B’rith.”
During his time with B’nai B’rith, Pascal was a leading advocate for Alan Gross during his unjust imprisonment in Cuba, from 2009-2024. Through persistent diplomacy and engagement with Cuban officials and global leaders, Pascal contributed significantly to the international efforts that ultimately led to Gross’s release.
A lifelong Washingtonian, Pascal has spent 35 years working as a commercial real estate agent in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has supported Israel-focused nonprofit organizations with their real estate needs and led numerous fundraising campaigns for various Jewish causes.
Jack Berkowitz, Senior Vice President
Jack Berkowitz of Goshen, New York, was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. In this leadership position, Berkowitz takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs over a three-year term.
An active member of B’nai B’rith since 1993, Berkowitz most recently served as a member of the Board of Governors, following his tenure as president of B’nai B’rith’s Metronorth region. Previously, Berkowitz also served as president of the prestigious Banking & Finance Unit in New York, chair of the B’nai B’rith Foundation of the United States, B’nai B’rith Membership Chair, and YLAN (Young Leadership Action Network, now known as Connect) Chair. In 1995, he received the Label A. Katz Young Leadership Award.
“B’nai B’rith has left an indelible mark on me and I take it with me wherever I go,” Berkowitz said. “It is a privilege to serve and I am honored to do so once again.”
Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance from Baruch College of the City University of New York. In 1991, he established his own public accounting practice in New York, specializing in accountancy and taxation for small businesses and start-ups. As a sole practitioner, Berkowitz helps his clients navigate the most intricate and complex of tax matters before the IRS and other taxing authorities.
Berkowitz has also held various leadership roles both within and beyond the Jewish community. His contributions include serving as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County; president of Temple Sinai in Middletown, New York; vice president of the Orange County Land Trust; and Treasurer of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.
Eric Engelmayer, Senior Vice President
Eric Engelmayer of Luxembourg was elected as senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, representing Europe and the United Kingdom, by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. In this leadership position, Engelmayer takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs over a three-year term.
A member of the International Board of Governors and the Executive Board since 2009, Engelmayer previously served as senior vice president of the organization from 2015 to 2018. He first joined B’nai B’rith in Metz, France, in 1999, before moving to Luxembourg, where he became president of the Luxembourg Lodge in 2009. He has been actively involved in B’nai B’rith Europe since 2015, serving on its Executive Committee. Engelmayer’s leadership was recognized early on with the 2009 Label A. Katz Young Leadership Award, given to individuals under the age of 45 who have shown exceptional dedication to the organization. He is also a founding board member of The Luxembourg Friends of Magen David Adom and a member of the World Jewish Congress’s Jewish Diplomatic Corps.
Engelmayer is committed to using his new role to create a positive impact, combat rising anti-Semitism, and to promote the security and well-being of the Jewish people. He aims to focus on initiatives that reinforce Jewish advocacy, the defense of human rights, support for Israel and interreligious dialogue.
“This leadership position provides a unique platform to unite Jewish voices across continents, combating rising anti-Semitism, defending human rights, and advocating for Israel with strength and conviction,” Engelmayer said. “Together, we can make significant change in addressing those challenges with the clarity and determination they demand.”
Throughout his time with B’nai B’rith, Engelmayer has engaged deeply with the organization’s mission on multiple fronts. At the international level, he has actively participated in sessions of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva and contributed to dialogues at UNESCO in Paris, reflecting B’nai B’rith’s ongoing commitment to promoting human rights globally. Through his involvement in high-level diplomatic meetings and interfaith dialogues—including with influential world and religious leaders across several continents—Engelmayer has championed the organization’s goals of fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities. He has also visited a number of B’nai B’rith senior housing facilities, furthering his dedication to enhancing the lives of Jewish communities worldwide.
Professionally, Engelmayer has worked in the banking and wealth management industry for 25 years, currently serving as head of International Markets in the Private Banking division of Société Générale in Luxembourg. He speaks seven languages, which helps him facilitate effective communication with B’nai B’rith members and leaders across Europe and around the world.
Millie Magid, Senior Vice President
Millie Magid of Miami, Florida, and New York City, was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. In this leadership position, Magid takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs over a three-year term.
Magid has been involved with the organization since 2011, and has served as B’nai B’rith’s United Nations Affairs chair since 2019, where she plays a pivotal role in B’nai B’rith’s advocacy efforts at the U.N. General Assembly through face-to-face meetings with global leaders to advance fair treatment for Israel, combat anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, and address critical issues impacting the Jewish community worldwide. Additionally, Magid is a board member of The American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI–BBI).
“I am honored to contribute as a senior leader and am eager to draw inspiration from B’nai B’rith International past and present leaders and accomplishments in an effort to propel our mission forward,” Magid said. “Embracing my identity as a proud Zionist woman, I firmly believe in our mandate to serve as a beacon of light, commencing from within and radiating outward.”
Magid attended Parson Fashion School of Design in New York and was formally an ESL teacher in Lima Peru. Over the past 25 years she has owned and operated Magid Realty in New York where she specializes in residential real estate.
Magid is a Member of the Zionist General Council of the World Zionist Organization and serves on the boards of several organizations, including Jewish Broadcasting Service, JCC Global and the National Leadership Council of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. She is also involved with the World Jewish Congress and is the founder of the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center of Israel, which strengthens ties between Long Island families and those in Israel. Additionally, she has served on the board of the Smithsonian Latino Center, contributing to the establishment of the National Museum of the American Latino, and acted as an ambassador for IsraAid and Innovation Africa, participating in humanitarian missions to Uganda.
Born in Lima, Peru, Magid has lived in New York for 40 years and now also resides in Miami with her husband, Larry. Together, they have participated in numerous missions worldwide. The couple has chaired various nonprofit events, both in New York and Miami, particularly since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. She splits her time between Miami, New York, and Jerusalem, and is a member of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue in New York and Lubavitch Aventura South in Florida.
Magid has been honored by numerous organizations, including United Jewish Appeal Federation of NY, Israel Bonds and Shalva. She and her husband were recently recognized by United Hatzalah and Magen David Adom for donating ambulances to Israel.
Ilan Shchori, Senior Vice President
Ilan Shchori of Israel was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors. In this leadership position, Shchori takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs, drawing on his extensive experience in preserving B’nai B’rith’s legacy, documenting Jewish history and highlighting Jewish communal life.
A longtime leader within B’nai B’rith in Israel and internationally, Shchori previously served as senior advisor to the president of B’nai B’rith International for heritage and history and as the president’s special representative for Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He has also served as president of the Tel Aviv Lodge, chairman of the Tel Aviv District Council and member of the organization’s international governing bodies. Throughout his service, Shchori has worked to strengthen Jewish identity, safeguard historical memory and expand international cooperation in support of B’nai B’rith’s mission.
In his new role, Shchori oversees heritage and historical affairs for B’nai B’rith International. He is committed to maintaining the organization’s rich legacy and its institutional memory, as well as connecting future generations with its values. Through his leadership, he seeks to strengthen awareness of Jewish history, Zionism and the enduring contributions of B’nai B’rith communities around the world.
“Preserving our history is essential to strengthening our future,” Shchori said. “By safeguarding the legacy of B’nai B’rith and sharing the stories of Jewish communities across generations, we ensure that our values, traditions and commitment to service continue to inspire future leaders.”
Throughout his years of service, Shchori has been deeply involved in documenting and recording the history of B’nai B’rith. He has assembled a unique collection of documents, photographs, publications and artifacts reflecting the organization’s global activities, humanitarian achievements and Jewish communal leadership. His efforts have contributed significantly to protecting and promoting B’nai B’rith’s historical heritage.
Professionally, Shchori is one of Israel’s leading historians specializing in the history of Tel Aviv and modern Jewish urban life. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jewish history from Tel Aviv University and his doctorate in the history of Israel from the University of Haifa. As a research fellow at the Herzl Institute for the Study of Zionism and an associate researcher at the Ben-Gurion Research Institute, he has published numerous books and studies.
Shchori, a registered tour guide and founder of My Tel Aviv, has led and inspired thousands of visitors through the streets of Tel Aviv, where he connects the historical memory to contemporary times. Through his compelling storytelling, Shchori delivers sought-after lectures and educational programs throughout Israel and abroad, where he blends Jewish religious history with relatable narratives making the history relatable and impactful to diverse audiences.
Dan Tartakovski, Senior Vice President
Dan Tartakovski of Mexico City was elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. In this leadership position, Tartakovski takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs over a three-year term.
In addition to serving on the Board of Governors, Tartakovski has volunteered extensively with B’nai B’rith, holding roles such as president of the Human Rights Commission of the B’nai B’rith Cultural Association in Mexico and as special international ambassador. He attended missions to the United Nations General Assembly in Geneva and the Organization of American States General Assembly in Mexico.
“I aim to strengthen our international presence, facilitate meaningful dialogue and create a cohesive community that reflects our shared mission,” Tartakovski said upon assuming office. “This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact, and I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of B’nai B’rith International.”
Professionally, Tartakovski has served as both advisor and vice president of the Mexico-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
Tartakovski worked alongside his father to facilitate the construction of the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de la Ciudad nursing home in Mexico City. He also developed and promoted The Torah Project, presented to Pope Francis in 2017, which featured the five books of the Torah with 27 litho-serigraphs by Sephardic artist Baruj Salinas—marking the first official Vatican acceptance of a Jewish document of this kind.
Awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa by Universidad ORT México for his contributions to human rights, Tartakovski also volunteers with the Red Cross as a National Instructor, where he has been honored with the Cross of Honor and Perseverance. Additionally, he contributes to the culture section of Mexico City’s Excélsior newspaper and holds honorary membership in both the Mexico-Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Yad Vashem Association of Mexico. He was also honored with the Golden Laurel Branch by Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova for his work on human rights and Mexico-Bulgaria relations.
Jacobo Wolkowicz, Senior Vice President
Jacobo Wolkowicz of Montevideo was elected as Latin American senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting. In this leadership position, Wolkowicz takes an active role implementing B’nai B’rith’s policies and programs over a three-year term.
A member of B’nai B’rith for over 30 years, Wolkowicz has previously served as senior vice president (2006–2009), is a current member of the Board of Governors and Executive Committee, and has held numerous leadership roles that include serving as chair of B’nai B’rith Latin America, president of the Massada Lodge and vice president of the Committee for Public Policy.
“Anti-Semitism has become rampant with frequent attacks against the local Jewish community and their members,” Wolkowicz said. “I believe that, in such times, the work of B’nai B’rith, on behalf of the Jewish people and the Jewish State, is of critical importance and duty calls for the most experienced members to step forward and offer their services to help the brotherhood and sisterhood achieve its mission.”
Wolkowicz studied Business Administration at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holds a degree in Economics and Mathematics from Texas A&M University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics from the University of Oxford. Professionally, he works in construction and project management and is shareholder and former president and CEO of the Punta Carretas Shopping Center.
In 2008, Wolkowicz received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Uruguayan Congress. He is a founding board member of the Tzedaka Foundation of Uruguay and has served as vice president of the board of the Dr. Pérez Scremini Foundation, a nonprofit NGO dedicated to treating pediatric cancer through Uruguay’s national health system.
Michael Gellman, Treasurer
A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, of Potomac, Maryland, was re-elected treasurer of B’nai B’rith International by the International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting.
This will be Gellman’s fourth term as treasurer. He also sits on the board of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy.
“To serve with fellow Board members and staff to help B’nai B’rith International to continue to provide vital services and help to ensure a strong stable financial position for the future is and will be my focus,” Gellman said. “It is a true honor and a privilege to be elected to treasurer and my family and I will be diligent in our efforts to support the organization.”
Gellman is an independent fiscal and financial strategist for nonprofit organizations, a co-founding principal partner of Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits, LLC (FS4N) and co-founder of Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits (SE4N). Before starting FS4N, Gellman had 30 years of public accounting firm experience as a partner managing not-for-profit business, fiscal and financial services consulting groups.
He has also been teaching budget, projection-based systems and fiscal and financial management enhancement strategies for more than 30 years. Gellman has conducted numerous seminars and has written articles on budgeting, operating reserve and investment policies, financial management, fiscal sustainability, leading economic indicators for nonprofits, and the impact on governance and transparency and accountability. Gellman teaches courses and has made presentations for Georgetown University, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Institute for Organization Management, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, many State CPA Societies, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and for national nonprofit organizations including United Way Agencies, National Urban League, National Business Officers Association, American Society of Association Executives, and many others.
Additionally, Gellman served as president of the Greater Washington Society of CPAs in 2001 and received the group’s Impact Award in 2012 for successfully launching the Academy, which provides a pathway for new nonprofit industry professionals to learn, attend conferences and connect with mentors, and now serves as president emeritus. He has also served as chair of Greater Washington Society of CPAs Not-For-Profit Committee and as chair of the Annual Not-For-Profit Organizations Symposium. He has served on the Finance & Administration Section Council of the American Society of Association Executives.
David Geller, Chief Justice
David Geller of South Florida was elected chief justice of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its Triennial meeting.
Geller previously served as a member of the Executive Board of Directors and International Board of Governors for the organization, and has represented B’nai B’rith at the Zionist General Council and the United Nations. He is also a former recipient of the prestigious Label A. Katz Young Leadership Award.
“I am honored to have been elected chief justice of B’nai B’rith International by the Board of Governors,” Geller said. “The work of B’nai B’rith is vital and I look forward to serving in this capacity.”
With more than 15 years of experience in business transactions, civil litigation, and intellectual property, Geller is an attorney and a member of the Florida Bar, the Bar for the Southern District of Florida and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Notably, Geller has successfully represented a client in an intellectual property case that went before the United States Supreme Court. Geller serves on multiple Florida Bar committees and is active in the South Florida legal community. Alongside his legal practice, Geller has an extensive background in government and policy, having served in national, state, and local government roles, including as legislative counsel to Charlie Crist, when Crist was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Geller received his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law. Additionally, he has taught criminal justice as an adjunct professor at Florida International University.