Bio
After decades of community leadership, Sharleen Wollach joined the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) in 2009 and serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. She leads teams that educate, inspire and partner with donors, nonprofit leaders and professional advisors to strengthen philanthropy and build a sustainable future.
A nationally recognized expert in legacy and endowment development, Sharleen expanded JCF’s innovative Create a Jewish Legacy initiative — now a model for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s National and International Life & Legacy program — helping communities secure hundreds of millions in current and future endowments. She also directs the Governance Leadership Institute, guiding nonprofit boards and leaders to strengthen governance, infrastructure and strategic leadership. Through this work, she has coached dozens of organizations in building their capacity, creating clarity and building trust necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex philanthropic environment.
She designed and launched the Trusted Charitable Advisor Program to equip professionals to integrate philanthropy into client conversations. This program has been integrated in several other states and continues to be highly requested.
A frequent presenter at national and regional conferences, Sharleen is known for her engaging, highly interactive style. Her sessions involve real-world scenarios, role-playing and practical exercises, leaving participants energized and equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen donor relationships, integrate legacy and blended giving and build a culture of holistic philanthropy. She emphasizes authentic relationships to help fundraisers translate ideas into concrete steps that advance long-term philanthropic impact.
Through her collaborative, relationship-centered approach, Sharleen continues to shape a culture of thoughtful philanthropy that strengthens the San Diego community, Israel and beyond.