STAFF BIOS | JEWISH LIGHT
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Editor's Note: Organizations and synagogues can send the press releases and photos to news@thejewishlight.com..
David Baugher, Editor
Before becoming associate editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light, David spent four years at the Suburban Journals, first as an editorial designer and later as supervisor of news design for the organization's north office. David was born and raised in St. Louis and educated at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he headed the campus newspaper and acquired a degree in journalism. Presently, David resides in the North County area. David can be reached at 314-743-3669 or at dbaugher@thejewishlight.com.
Ann Kusher, Office Manager (Circulation Questions)
Ann is not a St. Louis native, but she has lived in St. Louis for 25 years. A divorced mother of 3, Ann has her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. An active member of B'nai El Congregation and NA'AMAT, Ann joined the St. Louis Jewish Light staff as the Office Manager in August 2003. Ann can be reached at 3314-743-3660 or at akusher@thejewishlight.com.
Lisa Kessler Ritchie - Production Manager
Lisa is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in broadcast journalism. She currently works for the Jewish Light and has prior work experience as a graphic designer, extensive sales background, and owner/operator of a restaurant. Lisa is married to Derek Mollett and is the mother of daughter Marisa, 9, and Mariana, 10 months, and stepmother to Megan, 20, and stepmother to Morgan, 7. Lisa's hobbies include the caring and raising of a broad range of both domestic animals and wildlife and is a longtime PADI-certified SCUBA diver. Lisa has been a St. Louis Hadassah Board member since 2004 and is currently vice president of membership operations. Lisa is a second-generation Hadassah member. Her mother Mary Kessler was a Life Member in Allentown, PA. Lisa's other volunteer activities include: Animal & Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations, Big Sisters in her hometown of Allentown, PA, and Jewish Family & Children's Services volunteer of Allentown, PA. Lisa can be reached at 314-743-3664 or at lritchie@thejewishlight.com.
Kathy Schopp, Business Manager (Accounts Receivables)
Kathy started working in the Jewish community in late 2000, first as a member of the Fiscal Department of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. After a brief part-time stint as a data processor, Kathy assumed the position of Business Manager of the St. Louis Jewish Light in July 2003. Kathy can be reached at 314-743-3675 or at kschopp@thejewishlight.com.
Brent Alan Kornblum, Assistant Advertising Manager
Working for the Jewish Light has been the best job I have ever had. The Jewish Light has allowed me to grow and develop both professionally and personally over the last 10 years. I have learned how to help businesses grow by attracting one of St. Louis' most valuable target markets. Plus I have been given the opportunity to work with some truly great people. One of whom became my wife, Rachael. We now have a 4-year-old son, Gavin, and recently had triplet boys, Noah, Aidan and Caleb. When I am not working or caring for my family in our U-City home, I enjoy cooking, movies (usually on disc these days) and struggling to play the banjo. Brent can be reached at 314-743-3676 or at bkornblum@thejewishlight.com.
Ellen Levy, Account Executive
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Ellen is the daughter of Rebecca and Myron (Kotobuki Restaurant in Gaslight Square). Her grandparents are Jules and Leah Levy (Pic-a-Chic) and Herschel and Lois Saphian. Ellen graduated from Clayton High School, then Webster University, moved to Florida in 1986 and came back to St. Louis to be closer to the family. Ellen is beginning her fourth year with the Jewish Light. Ellen can be reached at 314-743-3662 or at elevy@thejewishlight.com.
Dave Cohen, Account Representative
Dave Cohen works in The Saint Louis Jewish Light's classified ad department. A native of Buffalo, New York, he came to St. Louis eight years ago after living for five years in Asheville, North Carolina (which he misses very much!).
A musician by training, Dave has sold print advertising for national publications, as well as radio airtime, so he brings a mix of experience and a broad knowledge of different ad media which he uses to help his clients effectively plan their ads in our newspaper. He is especially fond of helping write copy if the client needs assistance.
Dave maintains a music career as a synagogue and church organist, entertains as a pianist in retirement centers and nursing homes, and plays for parties and other occasions.
He is married to Sara, and they have two teenage children.
Dave can be reached at (314) 743-3666 or dcohen@thejewishlight.com.
Janice Singer, Account Executive
Janice works in the sales and advertising department of the St. Louis Jewish Light. She enjoys working for a Jewish newspaper, and being part of the Jewish community at large.
Janice grew up in Durban, South Africa, and went to University of Cape Town, in Cape Town which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Janice says the best part of South Africa is the amazing wild life and nature. Janice's family vacations consisted of trekking through the bush looking for rhinos and other big game, flanked by guards. As a result, she appreciates the outdoors and loves wildlife.
When Janice moved to St. Louis 20 years ago, she had to get used to ice and snow, neither of which she had experienced before. That explains her initial use of an umbrella in snowfall and trying to de-ice the car-lock with hot water!
Janice's business, sales and Internet background brings a unique blend of sales and business knowledge to her clients. She enjoys learning about different types of businesses and assisting her clients with their goals to gain more exposure and become better known in our community. Janice can be reached at (314) 743-3670 or jsinger@thejewishlight.com.
Mike Sherwin, Assistant Editor
Mike Sherwin began at the St. Louis Jewish Light in January, 2007. A St. Louis native, Mike attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. As assistant editor, Mike writes stories, takes photographs, designs pages, and updates the Jewish Light website. Mike can be reached at (314) 743-3665 or msherwin@thejewishlight.com.
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