Meet the YPD Board

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2022-2023 YPD Board

Elliott Kleiman – YPD Board Chair
Elliott is a St. Louis native and graduated from Metro High School and the University of Southern California. After moving back to St. Louis to be closer to family, he founded Mero Properties, which invests in rental properties in the St. Louis area. He is an avid sports fan, history buff, traveler, and enjoys spending time with his fiancé Carly and dog Cookie.

Ben Kraus – Vice Chair Philanthropy
Ben currently works as an Account Executive at Square where he focuses on business development and partnership opportunities. He attended Drake University where he earned a degree in Marketing and Data Analytics. Ben has spent time volunteering for the Humane Society and The Diaper Bank and also spent time as the Vice Chair of Fundraising for the Arthur Albert Foundation. Ben is a recent graduate of the Access Leadership development program put on by Federation.

Adam Rosenberg – Vice Chair, Leadership Development
Adam Rosenberg grew up in Westborough, MA, and holds a B.A. from Connecticut College and a J.D. from Tulane University Law School. As a employment lawyer, Adam represents employees in discrimination and other employment cases. Since moving to St. Louis in December 2019, Adam participated in Federation’s ACCESS Leadership program and served as an Ambassador on YPD’s outgoing board. In his free time, Adam loves to cheer on the Boston-based sports teams, to golf, to travel, and to hang out with his rescue dog Jenni.

Brianne Smith – Vice Chair, Community Service
Brianne Smith grew up in Peoria, IL, and graduated from Western Governors University with a B.S. in Business Management and an M.S. in Management and Leadership. She volunteered often for the Jewish Federation of Peoria and was a general member on their board. She is excited to continue her work for Federation here in Saint Louis!

Bennett Essman – Vice Chair, Engagement
Bennett Essman attended Indiana University – Bloomington where he was involved in Hillel and studied sociology and Saint Louis University where he earned a Master’s in applied financial economics. In the past, Bennett was heavily involved in BBYO in St. Louis, along with being an ambassador for YPD in the 2020-2021 year. He currently work as a Rental Management Trainee for Ryder and is really excited to be involved with the YPD Board!

Staff