JCF Welcomes Suzanne Galblum Dicken
We are pleased to announce that Suzanne Galblum Dicken has been hired as the Jewish Community Foundation's new director of philanthropy. Dicken brings to the role a wealth of nonprofit development experience and philanthropic passion, especially for the Jewish community. At the Foundation, she’ll work closely with fundholders and nonprofit partners to strategically reach charitable goals and build essential resources for the future.
Prior to joining the Foundation’s team, Dicken was the vice president of strategic development at Byrne Pelofsky + Associates where she managed a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, including Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. While in this role, she successfully developed business relationships and supported many significant nonprofit fundraising efforts. Dicken has also gained valuable experience working in development and marketing for architecture firms, including one in Edinburgh, Scotland which specializes in historic renovations.
Dicken is a Kansas City native and graduate of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and Indiana University. She and her husband Austin, a veterinarian, live with their two young daughters in Prairie Village. Dicken comes from a family of esteemed nonprofit professionals and was taught the importance of giving back to the community at a young age. She was among the first participants in the Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program which introduces B’nai Mitzvah-age teens to the joy of philanthropy. “B’nai Tzedek underscored for me the important role of my generation and those that come after in sustaining and strengthening the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam,” said Dicken.
At the Foundation Dicken will be responsible for creating, sustaining, and expanding strong relationships with current and new fundholders and communal partners. She will also lead fund development efforts, capacity building, and oversee the Foundation’s J-LEAD and Create a Jewish Legacy programs. As director of philanthropy, Dicken will work with donors to provide customized, creative strategies and deliver the high quality of personal customer service for which the Foundation is well known.
“What draws me to the Jewish Community Foundation is its unwavering commitment to maximizing philanthropic impact for both donors and the agencies they support,” said Dicken. “I’m enthusiastic about directly engaging with donors and philanthropists and facilitating their understanding of the transformative power of giving. I firmly believe that deeply engaged donors contribute not only to the strength of the organizations they support but also to the creation of enduring positive change.”
“Suzanne is incredibly personable and passionate about the nonprofit sector in general and the Jewish community specifically,” said Josh Stein, Foundation executive director. “Having grown up as an active member of our community, she has already established meaningful connections which, combined with her impressive knowledge of and enthusiasm for philanthropy, will help her thrive in this position. I’m excited to welcome Suzanne to our team.”
Suzanne began work at the Foundation on March 11 and has hit the ground running, already meeting with Foundation fundholders, leadership, and communal partners. If you would like to connect with Suzanne to welcome her to her new role or discuss how the Foundation can help achieve your charitable goals, please contact her at sdicken@jcfkc.org or (913) 327-8286.
