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Meet our Staff:

Larry is a Chicago native who has been in St. Louis since 1978. His career includes substantial experience in business, nonprofits and journalism. As a business executive, Larry has been responsible for development of several million square feet of retail real estate. His nonprofit work includes board, executive and professional leadership with a variety of organizations, including the Ladue Education Association; National School Foundation Association; Ladue School District Board of Education; Young Audiences of St. Louis; the Trust for Public Land; and Missouri Coalition for the Environment. He holds a JD from Washington University School of Law and a BA in American Studies from Case Western Reserve University. He has two absolutely splendid boys (both Bar Mitzvah and confirmands at Temple Israel), plays trumpet in the Clayton Symphony and plays pickup basketball with a great group of guys at the JCCA. Larry can be reached at 314-743-3672 or at llevin@thejewishlight.com.

A native of Westbury, New York, Ellen Futterman broke into the world of big city journalism as a general assignment reporter for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner in the latter part of the 20th century. Deciding that Tinsel Town was not exciting enough for her, she moved on to that hub of glamour and sophistication, Belleville, Ill., where she became a feature writer, columnist and food editor for the Belleville News-Democrat.

A year later the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scooped her up, neither guessing at the full range of her talents, nor the extent of her shoe collection. She went on to work at the Post-Dispatch for 25 years, during which time she covered hard news, education, features, investigative projects, profiles, sports, entertainment, fashion, interiors, business, travel and movies. She won numerous major local and national awards for her reporting on "Women Who Kill" and on a four-part series about teen-age pregnancy, 'Children Having Children.'"

Among her many jobs at the newspaper, Ellen was a columnist for three years, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Critic-at-large and Daily Features (Everyday) Editor. She invented two sections from scratch, one of which recently morphed from Get Out, begun in 1995, to GO.

In late 2007, Ellen took a buyout at the Post, and then began work at Twist, a boutique public relations and marketing firm in the Central West End. Her clients included the new Moonrise Hotel, Washington University, Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating, Save-A-Lot grocery stores and Saint Louis Fashion Week.

In January of 2009, Ellen joined the St. Louis Jewish Light as its editor, where she is responsible for overseeing editorial operations, including managing both staff members and freelancers. She also is the communications content editor for the Arts and Education Council of St. Louis.

Ellen and her husband, Jeff Burkett, a middle school principal, live in Olivette and have three children. Contact Ellen at efutterman@thejewishlight.com or 314-743-3665.

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 314-743-3660 or at akusher@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.

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.

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 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 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 managing 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.