Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Natalie Callone, our new Associate Head of School for Advancement. In this key role, Natalie will lead our school’s fundraising and philanthropic growth, ensuring Bernard Zell secures the vital resources and major gifts essential for our future. She brings a relationship-first approach to development, focusing on building authentic partnerships rooted in our shared commitment to develop exceptional young people who put Jewish values into action. By working closely with me and guiding our Marketing & Communications and Development teams, Natalie will keep our community closely connected while strengthening the financial foundation that allows Bernard Zell to thrive for generations to come.

Natalie is a strategic leader passionate about connecting philanthropy with purpose. Most recently, she served as a Regional Director for Business Executives for National Security (BENS). Prior to her time at BENS, Natalie held a leadership role at the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Natalie also brings a rich background in civic engagement, including national service with both AmeriCorps and the Israeli Teaching Fellows, where she coached middle school students from ORT Rehovot to a second-place finish in Israel's National Debate Competition. She holds a master’s degree in diplomacy from Reichman University in Israel, was a visiting researcher at Harvard University, and is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Guided by core Jewish values and inspired by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s call to a “leap of action,” Natalie is deeply committed to community service and is active in her synagogue. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking the Appalachian Trail and spending time with her family—her husband, Matt, and her son, Tal.

Additional Leadership Team Updates
As we begin this exciting new chapter we are also updating our leadership titles. Barbara Vijuk (previously Chief Operating Officer) will now hold the title of Associate Head of School for Operations, and Dr. Sarah Fornero (previously Associate Head of School) will transition to the title of Associate Head of School for Education. While their responsibilities remain dedicated to the same vital areas of our school, these title updates best articulate the partnership that Barbara, Sarah, and Natalie will have with one another and with me as Head of School.