About Us: Staff

Laura Cohen Apelbaum, Executive Director

Email: laura@jhsgw.org

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. A past chair of the Council of American Jewish Museums, she continues to serve on its steering committee.

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.

Amy Federman, Education Consultant

Email: afederman@jhsgw.org
Contact for assistance with:

• Educational Program
• Walking Tours

Amy has worked for the Society since 2005. She worked with the National Register of Historic Places within the National Park Service and the President's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. She has a Masters in Historic Preservation from Columbia University in New York City.

David McKenzie, Curatorial Associate

Email: dmckenzie@jhsgw.org
Contact for assistance with:

• Museum tours
• Questions about history of 1876 synagogue

David 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 previously worked at The Design Minds, Inc.

Wendy Turman, Archivist

Email: wendy@jhsgw.org
Contact for assistance with:

• Donations of items to the archives
• Questions about Washington Jewish history

Wendy has worked at 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.

Claire Uziel, Assistant Archivist

Email: claire@jhsgw.org
Contact for assistance with:

• Archival research
• JHSGW traveling exhibitions

Claire has worked at the Society since 2005. She holds a Masters in Library Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University.

Joel Wind, Administrator

Email: joel@jhsgw.org
Contact for assistance with:

• Contributions
• Membership
• Vendor or other administrative matters
• Renting the historic synagogue for events

Joel has worked at the Society since 2002. He has a Master of Business Administration in Computer Systems from American University. He previously worked for Affiliated Computer Services as a Manager of Software Development.