ADMINISTRATIVE AND OFFICE STAFF
CHRIS BENTONExecutive Director
Chris joined Beth El as Executive Director in March 2020. In this role, she manages the support staff and maintains a close working relationship with Rabbi Alex, Rabbi Amy, the Executive leadership, and the Board of Trustees. She is passionate about congregational life and the sacred work found at the heart of it.
Chris’s interest in mission-driven organizations and determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others have been growing since high school. With a B.A. from Chatham College in 1993, the majority of Chris’s professional experience has centered around non-profit administration, communications, and development. During her 15-year tenure at Rodef Shalom Congregation, Chris advanced from Events Coordinator, to Development Director, to Communications Director, and finally, Assistant Director. Most recently, she served as the Development Director of a private high school.
Chris and her husband, Eric, have been married since 1996. Their family includes two dogs, Anastasia and Pancho.
Program & Communications Director
Nicole Mezare provides programming support and expertise for non-profits in Pittsburgh. She has developed and implemented unique and engaging programs per the initiatives she has worked with as a program director, concert musician and college educator, having held positions with Temple Sinai, Jewish Community Center and Carnegie Mellon University. Nicole moved to Pittsburgh in 2001 after pursuing graduate work in San Francisco, CA and completed her Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys cycling, running, hiking and skiing.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND OFFICE STAFF
DEBBIE GOLDBERGBookkeeper
Debbie Goldberg, Beth El’s bookkeeper, has been at Beth El since 1995. She manages our entire accounting cycle, working closely with our Financial VP. Debbie is a graduate of Robert Morris University and holds a BSBA in Accounting. On Tuesday nights, you’ll often find Deb working at Beth El’s Bingo, our largest fundraiser. Deb and her husband Harold have been married since 1980 and have 3 children; Sara, Jeremy (married to Lisa Milner) and Mo (married to Seth Harris), and two grandchildren.
LESLIE GURAAdministrative Assistant
Leslie Gura, Administrative Assistant, has been at Beth El since 2008. She works closely with Chris Benton, Rabbi Alex, members of the Congregation, and is currently the Editor of the KOL. After graduating from Robert Morris with an Associate of Science Degree in Secretarial Science, Leslie worked for Fortune 500 companies including American Express and Gulf Oil Corporation. Leslie and her late husband, David, were married in 1971, and they have a daughter, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters.