MEET THE THREE CO-PRESIDENTS OF NCJW BCS

ELAINE MEYERSON comes to NCJW BCS as an experienced non-profit leader and administrator who worked in the domestic violence field for 30 years.  Elaine is the consummate volunteer. In addition to her work with NCJW BCS she is President of the Hillsdale Board of Health, and member of the Bergen County Board of Social Services.

In the 80’s Elaine first met Council volunteers on county-wide committees offering a voice for women.  Today Elaine is a Life Member of NCJW BCS and a volunteer at the Courthouse in the Domestic Violence Waiting Room supervised by Council.  “At NCJW BCS I am able to combine my professional background with my commitment to the most vulnerable.”  After three years in the capacities of Co-Vice President of Administration and Fundraising, Elaine will be installed as the newest elected Co-President to join the 2020-21 team.  Elaine is married to Larry, a local elder attorney. They have two children and one grandchild.

BARI-LYNNE SCHWARTZ grew up in Massachusetts, 50 miles west of Boston.  Her life mostly centered around a small Jewish community. Her grandfather was a founding member of the synagogue, and she enjoyed many activities at the JCC. Bari-Lynne taught English for five years in NJ and lived in London for six years. Upon returning to NJ, she immersed herself in education and advocacy-focused volunteer activities.

After receiving a Master of Social Work degree, she led the grants office at the Bergen County Department of Human Services. She testified for policy reforms and coordinated legislative events.  Bari-Lynne joined BCS in 2015 and soon became a Co-Vice President of Advocacy and Education. She will serve a second term as a Co-President and is the first recipient of the Jane Abraham Advocacy Award.  “Volunteering with Council is a perfect place for me,  as championing social justice reform has been constant in my life.”  Bari-Lynne has two children and three grandchildren.

ELIZABETH HALVERSTAM joined Bergen County Section in 2013, received the Emerging Leader Award in 2016 and is currently starting her fourth year as a Co-President. She was formerly the Executive Director of Arts Horizons, a major arts education organization, where she managed every aspect of running a non-profit organization, experience that is proving helpful to her as NCJW Co-President.

She grew up in England in a family where Jewish charities were supported without question. Her involvement in the arts started as a child in England, where she appeared in a play at the age of ten and was presented to the Queen Mother. She met her husband John, an anesthesiologist, in London, and they moved to Tenafly in 1974. She has a wonderful family of two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.  “I believe passionately in the importance of improving the lives of others. NCJW offers the perfect opportunity to help those in need.”