Meet the Leadership
Get to know the Directors and Board of the Cohen Camps.
Executive Leadership
Ben Portnoy Executive Director, The Cohen Camps
Ben guides the Cohen Camps into its next era as its first leader outside of the founding Cohen family. He blends camp spirit with insight into all three camps, having managed organization-wide operations since 2023. Now Ben combines his expertise, his deep roots in Jewish camping, and his own energy into his vision for the future for Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya. A former Tevya camper, counselor, and Director, he holds an MBA in Leadership from Bentley University, a BA in Sociology and English from the University of Vermont, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Northeastern University.
Ben says, “Camp has shaped who I am—as a friend, a leader, and now a parent. I carry that spark with me every day.”
Get to know Ben
Jonathan Cohen President, The Cohen Camps
Jonathan’s grandparents founded The Cohen Camps, the nonprofit family of three Jewish overnight camps which includes Camp Pembroke, Camp Tel Noar, and Camp Tevya, and he proudly continues their commitment to effective leadership. He has managed the organization for a decade in partnership with the Cohen Camps Board of Directors. A recognized expert in the field of Jewish camping, he serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Camp Directors Association. To his love and knowledge of camp, he adds his 20 years of experience in the business world in product development, strategic planning and change management for financial and technology firms. Jonathan holds a BA in Philosophy from Brandeis University and an MBA from Cornell University.
Year-Round Camp Leadership
Amy Coran Co-Director, Camp Pembroke
Amy has spent 21 summers on Lake Oldham; 2024 marks her fifth season as Co-Director, after 3 years as Assistant Director. Previously, she directed residential services for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, partnering with families to create valuable and meaningful experiences. Amy holds a MA in Human Resources Management from Lasell College, has a BS from University of Delaware in Human Services, Education and Public Policy with a minor in Disabilities Studies, and has completed the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Yitro Leadership Program for Assistant Directors.
Becca Goldman Co-Director, Camp Pembroke
Becca is so excited about her 18th summer at Camp Pembroke! She also previously served as Camp Pembroke Assistant Director, after 8 years serving as Assistant Director at the Cohen Camps’ Camp Tel Noar, helping to strengthen programming, the staff experience and camper care. Becca holds an MBA from Bentley University, and a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has also completed the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Yitro Leadership Program for Assistant Directors.
Aaron Gurvis Director, Camp Tel Noar</span
Danny Fier Assistant Director: Operations, Camp Tel Noar
Danny has been returning home to Tel Noar each year since 2007. Danny spent his formative years at CTN as both a camper and counselor, singing his heart out with the Shira Department every Shabbat. Danny is passionate about Jewish youth development and community building; he was an active participant in NFTY Northeast throughout high school and was Community Vice President for Tufts Hillel in college. In recent years, he has worked various professional roles in program development, publishing, and customer service which have given him a skill set well-suited for tackling operational challenges and fostering relationships. He holds a BA in English and Psychology from Tufts University.
Samantha Goldenblatt Assistant Director: Programming, Camp Tel Noar
Samantha is excited for her 7th summer at Camp Tel Noar: she served as Program Director for the last two years, and Assistant Program Director before that. Her love of camp has grown each year! In her current role, she continues to provide new and exciting programs for the campers, including day and evening activities, trips, and special events. She also focuses on building an enriching experience for the staff, supporting their growth as leaders. Samantha holds a master’s degree in Education from Cambridge College and was a former math teacher and drama club director. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and her dog.
Lauren Fishman Director, Camp Tevya
Just like the campers, Lauren lives 10 months for 2. Summer 2024 marks her inaugural summer as Camp Tevya Director. She has held leadership roles at Tevya for 10 years, the last five as Assistant Director, where she planned and created the summer experience for campers, teens, and staff with a focus on Bunk Life.
Lauren is a Tevya parent married to a Tevya alum; their three children are all Tevya campers (although she attended Camp Pembroke as a camper! ) She maintains that camp is the best gift they ever could have given their kids. Prior to joining Tevya’s year-round team, she served as a Director at SCORE! Education Center and taught in elementary schools in Chelsea and Newton. Lauren holds an MA in Elementary Education from Lesley University and BA in Sociology from Union College.
Elissa Edwards Assistant Director, Camp Tevya
Elissa joins Camp Tevya after a total of 25 staff and camper summers in Jewish camping at JCC Camp Grossman—where she served on the Leadership Team—and Camp Young Judaea (CYJ). When not at camp, she served as Coordinator of Inclusion and Support Services at JCC Greater Boston, after having taught Special Education in Massachusetts and Virgina. Elissa holds a B.A. in psychology and a M.A.T. in Special Education (K-12) from James Madison University.
Mindee Greenberg, LSCW
Director, Dor L'Dor Teen Travel +
Kadima CIT/CA Leadership
Mindee is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Jewish young people. She previously led Camp Tevya, nine summers as Director, and two others as Program Director and then Associate Director. Both her children traveled to Israel with Dor L’Dor. She has taken part in selective leadership programs such as Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Lekhu Lakhem, with an extended seminar in Israel, and Avi Chai Foundation’s Chazon, to develop immersive Israel education experiences. Before rejoining the Cohen Camps in 2023, Mindee served as Director of Enrollment and Community Outreach at Epstein Hillel School in Marblehead, MA—a school also founded by Eli Cohen! She holds a Masters of Social Work (Washington Univ., St. Louis) and in Education (Boston Univ.), and holds volunteer leadership roles in her community including on her synagogue Board. She says, “A personal connection to Israel and Jewish culture is one of the pillars of a strong Jewish identity—a connection that resonates so achingly right now. I look forward to getting to know and reflect with every teen in the program as we share this journey together.”
Stacey Smalley Director, Leadership Development + Kadima Teen Leadership
Stacey is the Director of our Kadima Teen Leadership program while also cultivating leadership throughout our Cohen Camps organization. Stacey grew up as a camper, CIT, counselor, and head counselor at Camp Tevya, where her two sons also attended as campers. She taught for many years as a middle and high school teacher, including at the Fessenden School. She holds a BA and MA in Teaching from Union College, with additional certifications in virtual and experiential Jewish education and in social emotional learning and character development. Stacey says, “My own counselor-in-training summer was transformative for me. It gave me a love of learning and began my journey as a teacher. I am deeply excited to expand these opportunities for our teens and camps.”
Barbara Stevens Director, Development, The Cohen Camps
An alum of Camp Tevya 1972-83, Barbara helps our families, alumni, and donors connect with each other, to fantastic projects and programs, and to a wide range of ways to support the Camps’ communities and spirit. She worked for many years in sports (NBA/NFL teams) and entertainment (tour manager of KC & The Sunshine Band for 10 years!), building and strengthening customer relationships and ensuring great customer experiences. Barbara rejoined The Cohen Camps in late 2013. “I made lifelong friends at Tevya,” Barbara notes. “Not high school or college. CAMP! I am so glad to be here and I love catching up with Cohen Camps’ friends and families from all years.”
We're Hiring!
Director, Marketing + Communications, The Cohen Camps
New role! Centralize our marketing function, help build out the messaging and infrastructure to grow enrollment and philanthropy, deepen alumni engagement, and strengthen our brand. Full-time, mostly in-person in Wellesley, MA.
Posted 9.14.2026
Board of Directors
Each member of the Cohen Camps Board of Directors brings personal and professional expertise to their role and is deeply committed to our nonprofit mission. Many are camp alumni, past camp staff, and/or parents of current or past campers, with all three camps represented. Others lend their expertise from the broader community. Together we are positioning the organization to thrive.
Chairperson of the Board
Renee is a Camp Tel Noar alum whose children also attended camp. She met her husband, Paul, at camp. She has served on the board since 2018, bringing executive leadership experience from running her obstetrics and gynecology practice at Beth Israel Hospital for 35 years.
Deeply committed to engaging the next generation in meaningful Jewish experiences, Renee is an avid yogi who enjoys beach walks, baking, gardening, and continuing her adult Jewish education.
“I am honored to serve on the Board to sustain the continuity of Judaism by providing positive Jewish experiences for our children through camp.”
Member, Finance Committee
Etahn is a Camp Tel Noar and Tevya alum whose children also attended the Cohen Camps. As a grandson of founders Eli and Bessie Cohen and son of longtime chairpersons Arnold and Annebelle Cohen, he has served on the board for over 40 years, including many years as chairperson.
He practices corporate law as Of Counsel with Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC in Chicago. His interests include his grandchildren, travel, Pokémon Go, and reading.
“Like my grandparents and parents, I believe in the importance of perpetuating a tradition of Jewish culture and religion and support of Israel among young people. The best way to do this is by giving young people a fun environment that will allow them to grow as persons.”
Clerk and Secretary of the Board
Adina is a Pembroke and Tevya alum whose children also attended the Cohen Camps for several summers. As granddaughter of founders Eli and Bessie Cohen and daughter of Annebelle and Arnold Cohen, she served as Tevya director for the 2001-2002 seasons and has been a board member for more than 20 years.
A professional liability underwriter and broker for over 30 years, she’s a passionate cook, baker, and bread-baking fanatic who enjoys travel, cycling, walking, and reading.
“I grew up at camp, made lifelong friendships, and have carried this positive Jewish experience throughout my life. I believe camp is an invaluable way for children to learn independence, gain a cultural connection to Judaism, make friends, and learn new skills. Being on the Board is a rewarding experience because I am hopeful that it is enriching lives and that I can help campers and staff today have as great an experience as I did.”
Chair, Community Engagement Committee;
Member, Finance Committee
Jeff is a Tevya alum whose children also attend camp. He joined the board in 2023.
He works at Dealpath, a commercial real estate software company, with previous leadership roles at Lightcast and CoStar Group. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and tennis, and reminiscing with his camp friends.
“Camp has given so much to me and my family, and I feel a responsibility to give back in any way I can. It is an honor to serve on the board to help sustain the Cohen Camps for the foreseeable future and beyond.”
Member, Compensation Committee
Risa is a Pembroke alum and camp parent. She has volunteered with many community-based organizations focused on education and youth empowerment as a board member, mentor, coach, and fundraising chair. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland and the Advisory Council for the Eliza J. Norton Foundation.
Her professional career spans more than 25 years in corporate communications, employee engagement, and public relations.
Risa enjoys hot yoga and Pilates, cooking for friends and family, and traveling.
Member, Finance Committee and Facilities Committee
Jonathan is a grandson of founders Eli and Bessie Cohen and served as President and CEO of the Cohen Camps for over 21 years before retiring in 2025. He has served on the board for over 40 years.
Jonathan attended Camp Tel Noar and Tevya himself, and served as counselor and kitchen staff.
A recognized expert in the field of Jewish camping, Jonathan serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Camp Directors Association. He led the Cohen Camp organization after achieving a 24-year career in technology, consulting, and marketing in the financial services industry.
Member, Compensation Committee and Finance Committee
Aaron is a Tevya alum a Tevya parent who joined the board in June 2025.
He recently retired as Executive Vice President of Public Market Investments at Franklin Templeton, with previous leadership roles at Putnam and Fidelity Investments.
He enjoys travel, family time, racket sports, and maintains a lifelong passion for the Boston Red Sox.
Chair, Governance Committee;
Member, Engagement Committee
Paul is a Camp Tel Noar alum whose children also attended camp. He joined the board in 2019.
He is an attorney specializing in medical malpractice defense and health law, serving as Director and General Counsel at Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios in Boston. His hobbies include boating and sailing in Narragansett Bay, yoga, skiing, and walking his two dogs, Jackson and Savannah.
“It’s a privilege to serve an organization like the Cohen Camps that has such a profound effect on the personal growth and development of our campers and their Jewish identity, and on the establishment of life-long friendships.”
Chair, Facilities Committee
Jake joined the Cohen Camps board in June 2023 as a camp parent. His oldest son is an avid Tevya camper.
Coming from a family with deep ties to Jewish camps, including founding Camp Grossman in Westwood, MA, he serves as President of The Grossman Companies, Inc. He also serves on the Executive Committee of JVS Boston, chairs the Brooke School Foundation, and is involved with The Roxbury Latin School.
“I had a Jewish camping experience that left a big impression on me; I would like to ensure that that experience can be offered for generations to come.”
Member, Finance Committee
Geoff is a Connecticut resident who joined the board in 2025.
He recently retired from Pitney Bowes after eight years as Vice President and Treasurer, with previous finance leadership roles at Covidien, PepsiCo, and KPMG.
When not volunteering, he’s an avid skier who enjoys hiking with his wife Anne and their yellow lab, Fletcher.
Board Member
Paul is the parent of a Tevya Alum, sharing in his child’s more than 10 years as a camper, counselor and active member of all programs the Cohen Camps offers.
He is a retired Human Resources Executive who spent over 25 years in a variety of leadership positions at Fidelity Investments.
He and his wife Erinn have 4 children and reside in Boca Raton, FL. He enjoys family, friends, and lots of time on the golf course.
Board Member
Jenna is the mom of two current Pembroke campers and a native New Englander. Professionally, Jenna is the principal of JCM Consulting, where she supports leading organizations and change-makers across the nonprofit sector with fundraising strategy, donor relationship development, and stewardship expertise.
Prior to launching JCM Consulting, Jenna led National Women’s Philanthropy at the Jewish Federations of North America, following formative roles at Birthright Israel Foundation, The Jewish Education Project, Pardes, and The Curriculum Initiative.
In her free time, Jenna enjoys traveling with her family, baking challah with her girls, taking hot sculpt classes, and cuddling with Squeakers and Kugel, the cutest puppies on the planet.
Chair, Development Committee;
Member, Compensation Committee
Kim is a Pembroke alum and current camp parent who serves as Director of Advancement at The Rashi School. With over 13 years in fundraising and communications, she recently led a successful $35 million capital campaign.
A George Washington University graduate living in Needham, she enjoys travel, cooking, yoga, cheering from the youth sports sidelines, and volunteering.
Member, Engagement Committee
Alison is a Tevya alum from a multi-generational camp family and now enjoys being a Tevya parent. She joined the board in 2025.
She brings to the Board 25 years of consumer marketing experience from top brands like American Express and The American Red Cross to her current role as Chief Marketing & Fundraising Officer for the nonprofit Good360.
Alison enjoys hiking, power yoga, dog walks, and summer visits to Cape Cod and New Hampshire.
Chair, Finance Committee
Jon is a Camp Tel Noar alum whose children also attended camp. He joined the Board in 2021.
He serves as Chief Financial Officer at The Rivers School, overseeing finance, operations, and non-academic programs, including Camp Nonesuch. Jon is a Brandeis University graduate with an MBA in Social Policy and Management.
“I am excited to serve on the Cohen Camps Board so that I can give back to Jewish camping, where I developed many of my closest friendships and which has had such a positive impact on my own children, too. I hope our work can help make the Cohen Camps sustainable for generations to come.”
Executive Director of the Cohen Camps;
Member, Finance, Engagement, Facilities, and Development Committees
Ben manages operations for all three Cohen Camps and teen programs, focusing on staffing, family engagement, and strategic planning.
Ben was a camper and counselor at Tevya from 1997-2005 and met his wife, Margo, at camp. He joined the year-round Tevya team in 2012 and served as Tevya’s Director from 2019-2023.
He holds an MBA from Bentley University, a BA from the University of Vermont, and a nonprofit management certificate from Northeastern University.
When not running Cohen Camps, Ben enjoys tennis, pickleball, and playing with his two future Cohen Camps campers.
Read more about Ben above.
