A Tribute to Vicki and David Portman - August 16, 2011

Congregation Magen David of West Deal - For tickets call 732-774-6886 X13

This year's Tribute Dinner Honorees, Vicki & David Portman, have separately and together lived a life of service. Influenced by both nature and nurture, they formed a loving bond, brought together their respective families and live a life that is reflective of their backgrounds, values and beliefs.

 

Born in Brooklyn, Vicki was the older of two sisters who were raised by immigrant parents from

Poland . Instilled with the basic tenets of Judaism from an early age by loving and observant parents Vicki learned early that tzedakah was an act not to contemplate but rather an obligation that one greeted in the pursuit of a righteous life. Following the cultural emphasis on education, Vicki received her B.A. from NYU and a Masters in Speech Pathology from Seton Hall University. She also completed a graduate certificate program in Training, Development & Organizational Diagnosis at the graduate school of Management at the New School.  Vicki taught Public Speaking and English at a High School level and was a school speech therapist.  In 1988 she began her own business as a communications consultant called Executive Communication.

As Vicki enjoyed her professional life, she felt compelled by her childhood memories to give back something to the community.  Her charitable instincts have had significant impact both in Monmouth County and on the other side of the

Hudson River.  Vicki has been involved in Jewish Federation of Monmouth County where she chaired Business and Professional Women, served as Vice president of campaign, and Vice President of allocations.  She is a Lion of Judah and her gift is endowed in Monmouth County and New York.  Vicki, and her sister, Arlene Saltz, have a scholarship fund in memory of their parents.  The fund sends teenagers on the March of the living to Polandand Israel .  She is a lifetime member of Hadassah and was honored by that organization in 2000.

More recently she has been involved in NY UJA Federation.  She has held several positions in the

Manhattanwomen’s campaign and then moved on to be the Vice Chair of major gifts for NY women’s philanthropy.  Presently she is a member of WEC (Women’s Executive Circle), and member of the Board of Directors of UJA NY Federation.  She also sits on the Ethiopian Taskforce. Vicki also chairs the Advisory Group for Women's Philanthropy and sits on the Executive Committee of Women's Philanthropy.  Vicki was on he board of National Women's Philanthropy and is now on their advisory board.

David is a Jersey guy born and bred near the boardwalk of

Atlantic City. Birth order put him between an older sister and a younger brother. David’s family instilled in him the importance of community, the motivation to succeed and the desire to share his success with those less fortunate.

David received his pharmaceutical degree from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and a MBA from

Seton Hall University. 

David's marketing instincts led him to become involved in several businesses.  He and his brother, Robert, founded a highly successful medical advertising agency called MED.  After leaving advertising, his next business venture was real estate.  As the president of TRIAD, he developed, built, and managed numerous commercial real estate projects in the state of

New Jersey.  As the real estate market changed, David put his energies into a new business, pathology laboratories.  The first one opened in 2009 and is called Genesis.

David has had a long history of involvement and volunteerism in the Jewish Community that dates back to the seventies. David’s participation meant more than just being on a committee. He has the spirit of an activist, who injects his innate passion into the causes to which he has committed himself. Those who have worked with him on numerous appeals say the zeal and fervor he manifests is contagious.  David was the building fund chairman and Vice President of

TempleBeth Torah.  He has held numerous positions in the Monmouth County Jewish Federation.  He was Vice President of operation Exodus, Vice President of Campaign, President of the Federation twice, and Chairman of the Board.

David was the

Monmouth Countyrepresentative to NJ Board of Federations. Under Governors Florio and Whitman, he was appointed as commissioner for economic development between Israeland New Jersey.  David was on the National Campaign Cabinet for Israel Bonds.  He was on the HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) Board of Directors and was a Vice President of HIAS.

Presently David is Chairman of Development for the Home for the Aged under the auspices of the Workman’s Circle organization.  He has a scholarship fund in memory of Sharon Portman that sends Jewish teenagers from Monmouth County to

Israel . Since its inception in 1993, sixty (60) teenagers have been partially funded in various programs in Israel . 

David and Vicki share a passion for travel and often their travel destinations are related to their desire to learn more about Jewish history & culture around the world. Their trips have taken them to

Israelnumerous times, Eastern Europe, Africa and South America. They have traveled with HIAS and Jewish Federation on missions to ensure Jewish continuity and to enhance the quality of life of those in need in Israel and throughout the world.  Dedicated to protecting human rights and civil rights issues worldwide, David and Vicki are life time members of the Holocaust, Genocide And Human Rights Education Center.

There commitment to the Jewish community is only surpassed by their devotion to their family which consists of three sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Howard Portman graduated from

Syracuse University.  He received a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  He resides in Southern, Californiaand is involved in a new business venture.

Lee Feldman graduated from Columbia University and

Columbia Law School.  He is the managing partner of Twin Lakes Capital, a private equity firm.  He also is the CEO of MacKenzie-Childs, an American luxury home furnishings and personal accessories company.  Lee resides in New York City.

Billy Portman graduated from

George Washington University.  He is married to Emily and has three children Ava, Max and Easy.  Billy is in the process of relocating his family to New Jerseyand has recently joined his dad in the construction business specializing in medical facilities.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Monmouth County is grateful to have David and Vicki as this years Tribute Dinner honorees. Their commitment to support our mission in these challenging times serves to inspire us all.