Jewish Community Partners

For a quarter-century, she’s been a quiet force helping to shape Jewish philanthropy in Memphis. Now, it’s our turn to celebrate her.

Jewish Community Partners, the Memphis Jewish Federation, and the Jewish Foundation of Memphis are looking forward to our upcoming joint Annual Meeting on June 11 at 5:45 PM at the MJCC Belz Social Hall, where we will take stock in the collective strength and impact of the Jewish community in Memphis. This year’s meeting will be particularly meaningful as it provides an opportunity to honor one of our own whose dedication has helped shape local philanthropy for a quarter-century: Sheri Greenberg Gadberry, Senior Philanthropic Officer and Executive Vice President.

Her milestone comes as the Foundation itself celebrates its 30th anniversary, culminating in a gala event later this year.

For many, Sheri is synonymous with the Foundation – a trusted friend and advisor who supports philanthropists in realizing their charitable goals.

“I love my job, and I love the people that I’m helping,” Sheri shared. “I love the agencies that make up this community. This job isn’t just a paycheck; it’s my world. Many of our donors knew me as a child. I grew up with them.”

Sheri’s journey with the Foundation began in March 2000, a deliberate pivot from a career in mortgage underwriting. Her desire to genuinely help people found its true calling at the Foundation. She joined a small but effective team consisting of Paula Jacobson and Mindy Okeon Wagerman. From her first day through today, Sheri has been instrumental in driving its mission forward.

Today, as Executive Vice President, Sheri leads a team dedicated to providing innovative and personalized philanthropic tools to hundreds of fundholders. “With the Foundation being donor-centric, we’re here to help our donors create a legacy that they and their families can be proud of for generations,” Sheri said.

Sheri’s understanding of philanthropy is broad and inclusive. She notes that “there’s no typical Foundation donor,” embracing everyone from those giving a percentage of their IRA to multi-millionaires supporting a wide array of agencies. Her focus remains constant: to help donors achieve their unique goals and ensure the long-term sustainability of Jewish agencies in the community.

The success of the Foundation, and by extension Sheri’s work, is bolstered by a deeply committed Board of Directors, chaired by Pace Cooper, and a growing Professional Advisory Group of over 130 experts. “Our board members are our biggest advocates, and I feel very lucky that they love this community as much as I do,” Sheri said. “The Professional Advisors play an important role, too. They help make the connection between what makes sense for donors financially and what we do to make sure our agencies are sustainable.”

Under Sheri’s guidance, the Foundation has become a vital conduit for giving, channeling over $167 million to Jewish, secular, local, and national organizations through donor recommendations. With over $200 million in assets, the Foundation’s growth over the past three decades is a testament to the dedication of its staff and the generosity of the Memphis Jewish community.

When reflecting on her 25 years, Sheri says, “I’m glad that the organizations that mean so much to this community are going to be around for my great-grandkids. And I know that I had some

little bitty part in that. I can proudly say that they’re going to stay around because of things that I did, working with people I’ve known my whole life.”

All members of the community are invited to attend the June 11 Annual Meeting. The event will also honor outgoing Board Chairs Marty Kelman of Jewish Community Partners and Scott Notowich of the Memphis Jewish Federation for their exceptional service, and will welcome incoming Chairs, Charles Jalenak for JCP and Jimmy Ringel for MJF, as they step into their new roles.