Michael A. Kimmel
About Michael
Before being named as RPB's chief executive officer in 2019, Michael was its executive director since 2015, leading “the best team one could ever hope for.” Michael has overseen the addition of a number of new programs and features, including: self-directed funds, the Reform Jewish Values Stock Fund, and daily fund valuation; a new, full-scale branding and communications program; and the redesign and launch of new online portals for employers and participants.
The Reform Movement has been Michael’s professional home since 2005, during which time he held executive positions with Union for Reform Judaism and Congregation Rodeph Sholom in New York City. Prior to 2005, Michael worked in the for-profit sector in finance and management consulting at firms that include Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen. He holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a BS from the University at Albany. He lives in the New York area with his wonderful wife and two incredible daughters.
When Michael retires…
He plans for his days to be filled with reading, traveling, hiking, volunteering, and playing golf with his grandkids who would live nearby.
About Robert
Robert is a trusted and respected partner to our participants and employers as he oversees all aspects of our relationship management.
Robert began his career as an attorney in Philadelphia before moving to New York City. Before joining RPB in 2016, he spent 16 years in the financial services industry managing investor relations and fundraising for global private equity firms. Robert has a BS in economics from Allegheny College and JD from Temple Law School.
When Robert retires...
He hopes to spend time on the golf course, in the workshop, and at the opera. (He’s an award-winning baritone who performed professionally for 7 years.)
Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
646.884.9887 mrodriguez@rpb.org
About Maria
Maria manages RPB’s day-to-day office administration needs. In addition to working directly with our Board members and coordinating meetings and travel schedules, she also helps coordinate our Retirement Planning Seminars.
Before joining RPB in 2015, Maria worked with the URJ for 22 years in a variety of roles, including as a MUM Analyst for the Maintenance of Union Membership Department, Administrator of the Greater New York Council and in Facilities Management. She lives in the Bronx with her husband, and has three beautiful children.
When Maria retires...
She’ll move to her motherland, Puerto Rico, and focus on her gardening.
About Vanessa
Vanessa is responsible for working closely with the CFO to assist in the day-to-day operations of the accounting department.
After studying finance at Baruch College, Vanessa worked as a professional backup dancer and toured nationally for two years with a freestyle music recording artist. When she was ready to hang up her dancing shoes, Vanessa worked as an accounting assistant at Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank for six years and at Rabobank for six years before joining RPB in 1999. She lives with her husband, two sons, and pet dog. When Vanessa retires... She would like to work with children, especially those who are underprivileged or have special education needs. |
About Arbell
Before joining RPB, Arbell was the Director of Marketing and Communications at JCC MetroWest in West Orange, NJ, marking her first foray into the Jewish community—aside from years spent teaching religious school as a young person at her hometown congregation, Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, PA. Earlier in her career, she worked in publicity in the music industry at companies such as Columbia Records and Universal Records, as well as in content marketing and social media within the advertising space for clients such as JP Morgan Chase, Novartis, and Samsung. Outside of work, Arbell is happily married, with two adorable daughters and an equally adorable dog. When Arbell retires... She'd like to sit in the sun with her toes in the water on the shores of Tel Aviv, a cup of iced coffee in her hand, surrounded by family and friends who are family. |
About Dan
Dan optimizes our marketing and strategic communications. He enhances the effectiveness of our campaigns and drives communications and education initiatives to our participants and employer partners through our website, email campaigns, and more.
Before joining RPB in 2017, Dan was a reporter in New York and New Jersey covering local government, education, labor, and other issues. He holds an MA with a concentration in urban reporting from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism and a BA in journalism and American studies from Rutgers University, New Jersey. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and daughter. When Dan retires... You’ll likely find him biking up and down the East Coast. |
About Alyce
Alyce oversees all of RPB’s day-to-day operations. While she wears many hats, some of her primary responsibilities include: monitoring and rebalancing the portfolios; managing RPB’s fund manager, custodial bank, and record keeper relations; managing the pension fund and operational cash flows; financial accounting and reporting; and processing pension contributions, distributions, insurance offerings, and claims.
Before joining RPB in 2015, Alyce spent six years working as the CFO of two Jewish nonprofits in New York City—first at the Riverdale YW-YMHA, and then at the Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Prior to joining the nonprofit world, she spent 18 years working in financial services at major firms, including Credit Suisse, J.P. Morgan, and PWC. Alyce holds an MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and a BS in economics, finance and accounting from The Wharton School. She and her husband live in the New York area.
When Alyce retires...
She plans to travel extensively. (Seeing the Trans-Canada highway by motorcycle and road tripping from Cairo to Cape Town are already at the top of her list.) She and her husband, Michael, would also like to keep a home base near to their grown children, Peter and Leah.
About Stephanie
Stephanie is responsible for RPB’s participant and employer communications and educational programs. She has led the development of a dynamic new branding and communications program to better serve our plan participants and their employers.
Before joining RPB in 2016, Stephanie was the Director of Marketing at B’nai Jeshurun. Prior to that, she worked extensively in marketing and communications for many financial services firms, including UBS, Charles Schwab, and JPMorgan Chase. Stephanie is an adjunct professor at Adelphi University, where she teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in marketing and business. She holds an MBA and Financial Planning certification from Adelphi University, a Non-Profit Management and Communications Certification from CUNY Graduate Center, and a BA in Russian language and literature from the University of Maryland.
When Stephanie retires…
She’ll be teaching, traveling, taking long hikes, making art, and spending time with family and friends.
About Constantine
Constantine is responsible for building and maintaining RPB’s full technical stack. From enrollments to payments and portals, his role is to ensure the security, usability, and effectiveness of cutting-edge technologies to create a great overall user experience.
Before joining RPB, Constantine began his career at AOL, where he worked for 13 years. He built a Salesforce advertising platform and team from the ground up. Afterwards, he served as the director of Salesforce technology at a leading Salesforce partner for eight years. Through these experiences, Constantine has acquired vast experience in leading the charge toward building world-class technical solutions.
When Constantine retires…
He would like to get in as much traveling as possible. Multiple RV trips across America, and month long trips to destinations such as Japan, Portugal and Greece. Video gaming will likely exist in some capacity as well.
About Lois
Lois processes payments for our retirement and insurance plans and assists with other accounting processing. Before joining RPB in 2005, Lois worked for the Union for Reform Judaism as a bookkeeper and accountant. She is currently pursuing a BA in forensic accounting at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Lois is a native New Yorker, and is blessed with two fabulous children and an amazing family.
When Lois retires... She’s planning to travel to all seven continents. While she’s checking out the most exotic regions on the planet, she’ll also fit in as much quality family time as possible. |
About Chase
Chase acts as a valued resource to our employer partners, providing timely and accurate responses to their questions and concerns. Chase is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a BA in theatre performance, he worked as an actor before moving to New York City and joining RPB in 2017.
When Chase retires... He’d like to own a house on a beach and a vacation home in New Orleans. He also plans to continue working intermittently as an actor and to travel extensively. |
About Bob
Bob Koppel is RPB’s Executive Director Emeritus. He served as RPB’s first Executive Director for 20 years, from March 1995 through February 2015.
Prior to his appointment as RPB’s Executive Director, Bob was the Chief Financial Officer of the Union for Reform Judaism for ten years, from February 1985 through February 1995. As part of that responsibility, Bob represented the URJ on the RPB. He was a member of the RPB Executive Committee and chaired the RPB Management Committee.
He also represented RPB as a member of the Church Alliance Steering Committee, Church Benefits Association Board and was the Chairman of the Church Benefits Association Planning Committee, leading its annual conference in 2014.
Bob is also a former president of Temple Emanu-El of Westfield, New Jersey, where he and his wife Barbara continue as active members. Bob and Barbara’s daughter, Rabbi Elisa Koppel, is the Director of Lifelong Learning at Congregation Beth Emeth in Wilmington, Delaware.
In his retirement…
Bob is enjoying his status as Emeritus, which has allowed him the opportunity to spend time in his home town of Boston as a part-time resident. Among his other volunteer activities, he joined the board of Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss located in New Jersey. Imagine offers peer grief support services to children ages 3 to 18 and young adults ages 18 to 30. He currently serves as treasurer of the organization.