Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) is pleased to announce the addition of four new staff members to its development team. The new hires are Junko Nagao, Director of Development; Ian Arthur, Campaign Manager; Nate Weisband, Young Leadership Manager; and Ital Ironstone, Women’s Philanthropy Manager. They will all work to support the Federation’s Annual Campaign.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented and passionate individuals to our JPSA family,” said Interim CEO, Emily Richman. “They bring a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives that will enhance our ability to serve our donors, fundholders, and partner organizations.”
Nagao brings over 20 years of organizational, leadership and community development experience to the Director of Development position. She started her career in fundraising at the Development office of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, followed by stints with local and international nonprofits on the East coast. She has been involved in the growth and development of several startup and technology companies, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
“As a new resident of Tucson,” said Nagao, “I am committed to amplifying the work of JPSA and the many stakeholders who continue to support the health and wellbeing of the Jewish community.”
Arthur, a native Californian from just north of San Francisco, moved to Tucson 15 years ago to study Journalism at the University of Arizona. Prior to joining JPSA as Campaign Manager, he spent the last six years managing the Development efforts of the Arizona Diaper Bank.
“With my background in supporting Southern Arizona families and seniors, I believe that my involvement with JPSA will allow me to meaningfully contribute to the betterment of this community, which has welcomed me so warmly,” said Arthur.
Weisband was raised in Tucson where he attended Tucson Hebrew Academy and Catalina Foothills High School. He was also an acting major at the University of Arizona. He pursued theatre, film, and commercial acting in both New York and Los Angeles until recently returning to Tucson last summer. He is currently working on his master’s degree in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Hebrew Union College.
“I am passionate about guiding the next crop of young people to fulfill their Jewish and philanthropic leadership roles, said Weisband regarding his position as Young Leadership Manager. “I am excited to be back in Tucson and feel incredibly honored to be working for the community in which I was raised.”
Ironstone was born and raised in Tucson. She pursued Judaic studies and nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona, along with holistic nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Following her studies, she worked in nonprofit development and fundraising as well as managing several entrepreneurial ventures in Los Angeles.
Now back in Arizona, Ironstone said, “Now more than ever I feel grateful to be here. This is truly a dream job for me, and I feel a profound sense of responsibility in my new role. I can’t wait to work with a remarkable group of women donors and volunteers to make a difference in the community that I love.”
All four staff members have already started their respective positions at JPSA. To reach out to them, visit the JPSA “Meet Our Team” page.
