Our Leadership
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
Daniel S. Mariaschin, Chief Executive Officer
Daniel S. Mariaschin is the CEO of B’nai B’rith International. As the organization’s top executive officer, he directs and supervises B’nai B’rith programs, activities and staff around the world.
Mr. Mariaschin also serves as Director of B’nai B’rith’s International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy. In this position, he is the spokesman for B’nai B’rith, interpreting its policies to a variety of audiences, including the U.S. Congress, world leaders, global diplomats and the media, with responsibility for coordinating the organization’s programs and policies on issues of concern to the Jewish community.
In the United States and abroad, Mr. Mariaschin has met with scores of heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, opposition leaders, religious leaders and influential members of the media, to advance human rights and to help protect the rights of Jewish communities worldwide as well as to promote better relations with the State of Israel.
Mr. Mariaschin has served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the 2003 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe conference on anti-Semitism in Vienna and as a public advisor to the U.S. delegation at its 2004 conference in Berlin, the 2005 conference in Cordoba, Spain, the 2007 meeting in Bucharest, Romania and as a speaker at the 2018 meeting in Rome.
He participated in negotiations that achieved the transfer of Torah scrolls from the Lithuanian government to Israel for use there and in diaspora Jewish communities.
He was a member of the International Advisory Committee of CEANA, the Argentinean commission studying that country’s relations with the Nazi regime, and served on the Commission on Property Restitution in Slovakia and as a member of the International Commission on the Holocaust in Romania. Since 2006, Mr. Mariaschin has led negotiations with countries on the restitution of Holocaust-era assets on behalf of the World Jewish Restitution Organization.
Mr. Mariaschin was a member of the United States delegation to the 2000 Stockholm International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance, Education and Research; the B’nai B’rith delegation to the State Department’s 1998 Holocaust Assets Conference; and has initiated programs on Holocaust Education with the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science.
In recognition of his work in Central and Eastern Europe, Mr. Mariaschin was awarded the Cultural Pluralism Award by the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. He has also been awarded state decorations from the presidents of Latvia and Lithuania, and the Golden Bough decoration from the Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria. In 2018, Mariaschin received the King Areus Award for leadership in cultural diplomacy from the Municipality of Sparta, the Greek-Israeli Cooperation Institute and B’nai B’rith’s Philon Lodge in Athens. The international Jewish periodical The Algemeiner selected him for inclusion on its “100 list” for his positive impact on Jewish life, in 2014.
Mr. Mariaschin has spent nearly all of his professional life working on behalf of Jewish organizations, beginning in 1973 as Community Relations Associate with the Jewish Community Council of Boston. Two years later he was named director of the New England office of the American Zionist Federation and Zionist House in Boston.
In 1977, Mr. Mariaschin joined the Anti‑Defamation League of B’nai B’rith as director of its Middle East Affairs Department. From 1979 to 1986, he served as assistant to ADL’s national director, the late Nathan Perlmutter, and as director of its National Leadership division, responsible for ADL’s nationwide program of leadership development.
He then became director of the Political Affairs Department of the American
Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), where he supervised political action activities and grassroots organization programs.
Prior to joining B’nai B’rith, Mr. Mariaschin served as director of communications and principal spokesman for former Secretary of State Alexander M. Haig, Jr. during his 1988-89 presidential campaign. He also worked as a radio announcer and news commentator.
Mr. Mariaschin has written numerous articles and reviews on anti-Semitism, foreign affairs and national security issues for such publications as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Newsweek, The Hill, FoxNews.com, The Jerusalem Post, JNS, The Times of Israel and The Algemeiner. He also appears as a foreign affairs analyst on television and radio programs. He has lectured on foreign and defense affairs at the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and at other military installations around the country.
Since 2017, Mr. Mariaschin has hosted the B’nai B’rith Podcast, featuring meaningful discussions on today’s most pressing topics, including tackling rising anti-Semitism, the state of Jewish communities, the dire shortage of housing for low-income seniors, author talks and even Jews in baseball. In 2020, programming expanded to include on-camera discussions and webinars.
A noted lecturer who speaks nationally and internationally, Mr. Mariaschin delivered the distinguished Gandel Oration in Melbourne, Australia in 2016. In 2017, he addressed a special meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee at Israel’s Knesset convened in honor of the centenary of the Balfour Declaration.
Raised in Swanzey, New Hampshire, Mr. Mariaschin obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of New Hampshire and his master’s degree in Contemporary Jewish Studies from Brandeis University. He received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of New Hampshire and has also been honored with the American Jewish Communal Leadership Award from Brandeis University.
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.
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.