About Us: Staff
Laura is a native of the Washington area and has been Executive Director of the Society since 1994. Her work has centered on preservation of the 1876 historic synagogue, building the community’s archives, expanding the Society’s school and family programs, and outreach in the community.
Previously she worked as an attorney for both the local and the federal government. She has a Masters in Taxation from Georgetown University, a law degree from George Washington University, and a Bachelors degree in American History from Duke University.
Read Laura's Insider's Guide to Washington DC
for Cultural Tourism DC.
Sam Bass, Membership/Development Coordinator
Contact for assistance with:
Sam began at the Society in 2011 as an intern and volunteer. She holds an M.A. in Museum Studies with concentrations in administration and exhibition development from the George Washington University and a B.A. in History with minors in English, Jewish Studies, and Spanish from the University of Minnesota.
Contact for assistance with:
- Contributions
- Vendors
- Rental of the historic 1876 synagogue
Mary Ann is a native Washingtonian, and proud to be providing administration, finance, and property management for the Society, as well as working with the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Seeing the Capitol on the way to work every day has been an added bonus! Mary Ann was previously the operations manager for a local franchise, Wild Bird Centers of America.
David McKenzie, Interpretive Programs Manager
Contact for assistance with:
- Public programs
- Student and adult programs (walking tours, exhibition tours, museum programs, living history shows, etc.)
- Tours of the 1876 synagogue
- JHSGW traveling exhibitions
David has worked for the Society for 2008. He holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.A. in Museum Studies, with concentrations in history and exhibition development, from George Washington University. He is currently enrolled in the History Ph.D. program at George Mason University, studying U.S. history and digital history. He previously worked at The Design Minds, Inc.
Contact for assistance with:
- Donations of items to the archives
- Questions about Washington Jewish history
Wendy has worked for the Society since 2000. She has a Masters in Museum Studies from George Washington University and a Bachelors degree in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She previously worked at the National Museum of Health and Medicine and at the Smithsonian Institution.
Contact for assistance with:
- Archival research
- Website
Claire has worked at the Society since 2005. She holds a Masters in Library Science, specializing in Archives, Records, and Information Management, from the University of Maryland and a Bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. |
