Benesch Partner Jeffrey J. Wild Elected Chair of Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Board of Trustees

Benesch is proud to announce that Firm Administrative Partner, Chief Strategy Partner and Real Estate Chair Jeffrey J. Wild has been elected as the next board chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Jeff, who currently serves as the Federation’s vice chair, will succeed Dan Zelman in the role for the 2025-2028 term.

“Jeff’s election to this role is a reflection of his commitment to civic leadership and his long-standing dedication to the community,” said Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “We are incredibly proud of Jeff and the meaningful impact he continues to make, both through his legal work and his volunteer leadership.”

Since 1903, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has served as the hub of Jewish life in Northeast Ohio. As board chair, Jeff will play a key leadership role in advancing the Federation’s mission to promote the well-being of the Jewish community in Cleveland, Israel and around the globe, and to inspire collective action guided by core Jewish values.

“Jeff Wild is a dedicated and effective community leader who understands the strengths and needs of our diverse community,” said Erika B. Rudin-Luria, president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. “We are thrilled that he will be leading our Board during this important period for the Jewish people.”

Jeff’s community involvement spans numerous organizations and leadership positions. In addition to his service with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, he is a board member of Jewish Federations of North America, a former president of the board of trustees of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and Fuchs Mizrachi School, a trustee of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, and a member of the board of governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel. He also previously served as board chair of Cleveland Development Advisors, an affiliate of Greater Cleveland Partnership. 

“I’m honored and humbled to take on this role,” said Jeff. “The Federation plays an essential role in strengthening our Jewish community and making a positive impact here at home and around the world. I look forward to working with so many dedicated leaders to help advance that mission.”

At Benesch, Jeff represents public REITs, private equity funds, institutional investors, lenders, borrowers and family offices in complex commercial real estate transactions across the country. His practice spans acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, large-scale developments and distressed real estate matters. He has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America® and Thomson Reuters for his leadership in real estate law.