Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Jewish National Fund-USA has installed two stellar professionals in new Orlando roles in response to the organization's rapid growth in the region. The appointments mark the first time that the city will have a full-time team of active professionals working to connect the community to Israel.

Joshua Mellits, who lives in Bradenton with his wife, Lauren Brodsky, and his son Zev, has been with Jewish National Fund-USA since 2019 and is stepping into a new role as director, Western Florida and Orlando, in which he will be actively involved in deepening the Orlando Jewish community's ties to the land and people of Israel. Meanwhile, Orlando native Harrison Shames, will serve as the senior campaign executive for Orlando. Both are excited to connect with the city's vibrant and dynamic Jewish energy and share the work that Jewish National Fund-USA does with more people.

Speaking about his new directorship role, Mellits said, "I'm most looking forward to connecting with proud Israel supporters, both individuals and organizations, across all ages, faiths, and political backgrounds." A graduate of the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University, holding an MBA in Non-Profit Management and an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership, Mellits is well poised to take charge of this exciting new endeavor.

Harrison Shames

For Harrison Shames, who returned to Orlando in 2018 after living in Israel for three years, the ability to bring together his two homes and share his passion for the work being done in Israel is a dream come true. He now resides in Orlando again, with his wife Chen and their daughter Andie Noor. Regarding his new role, Shames said, "My goal is to bring Orlando to the forefront of Jewish National Fund-USA's work. To build and foster relationships within the community I was raised in and to tie together the two places I care about most, Orlando and Israel, is truly meaningful." Shames graduated from University of Central Florida with a BS in Sport and Exercise Science and an M.S. in Sport and Recreation Science from Ohio University. A lifelong coach and educator, he is especially looking forward to spearheading Zionist education and advocacy in the Orlando area.

"Our Orlando community is gearing up for another exciting year ahead and I can't wait to see what we will achieve together for the land and people of Israel," said Jewish National Fund-USA Orlando Board President, Dr. Michael Beim.  "With two great Orlando professionals and the backing of our incredible movement, if you love Israel and want to write the next chapter of our people's future, now is the time to join the Jewish National Fund-USA family."

To learn more or get involved, contact Joshua Mellits at jmellits@jnf.org or at 941-462-1330, ext. 865.