Adam Kolett of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte On 5 Things You Need to Know to Successfully Lead a Nonprofit Organization
You’re Not Just Building Programs — You’re Building Trust. When I first stepped into nonprofit leadership with Hillel, I focused on creating great events and initiatives. But I quickly realized that meaningful impact isn’t built on programming alone — it’s built on relationships. The trust that forms when you show up for people during personal challenges or uncertain times is what ultimately fuels the long-term engagement. The most successful programs grow out of those trusted connections — not the other way around.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adam Kolett.
Adam Kolett is the Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, where he leads efforts to strengthen Jewish life, support Israel, and address local and global needs. With over 15 years of experience in Jewish communal leadership, he previously held senior roles at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and led Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach. Adam holds dual master’s degrees from Brandeis University and is deeply committed to building vibrant, inclusive Jewish communities.
Thank you so much for doing this with us. Before we begin, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
My path to nonprofit leadership was shaped by a lifelong connection to Jewish community and identity. I am the son of a New Yorker-turned-nomad and an Israeli-born kibbutznik, and I grew up in a range of communities across the U.S. from Arizona to Tennessee. Those experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of the power of vibrant, values-driven Jewish life.
At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much those communities were shaping me — helping to form my character, values, and sense of purpose. As I got older, I recognized just how deeply those experiences had impacted me. I felt a responsibility to give back — and, more than that, I realized I had found something I wanted to stay intimately connected to and help bring to others. That’s what led me to Jewish nonprofit work. For me, this isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling rooted in personal experience and a deep commitment to building the kind of community that once helped me thrive.
Can you describe the story behind why you decided to join your nonprofit?
At the time, I was leading a Hillel in South Florida, working closely with college students to strengthen Jewish identity and community on campus. I loved the relational nature of the work, but I began to feel the pull toward something broader — a role where I could apply my strategic skills, deepen my impact and help shape an entire community ecosystem.
When the opportunity at the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte came up, it immediately stood out. It offered the chance to lead a mission-driven organization with a wide-reaching mandate: from supporting local families + agencies and combatting antisemitism to strengthening global Jewish connections and responding to crisis. It was a unique platform to bring together leadership, innovation and purpose — and to help build a resilient, connected community in an increasingly complex world.
Can you describe how you or your organization aims to make a significant social impact?
At the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, we believe that strong communities begin with strong individuals — people grounded in identity, values and purpose. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish life locally and globally so that our community is not only resilient and connected but also positioned to make meaningful contributions to the broader society around us.
We provide critical funding to support a wide range of programs — educational initiatives, social services, antisemitism response and efforts that foster connection to Jewish heritage and Israel, locally & abroad. By directly investing in these areas, we help ensure that our community not only thrives internally but also contributes to the strength and well-being of the greater Charlotte region and beyond.
Without saying any names, can you share a story about an individual who was helped by your idea/organization so far?
A powerful example of impact comes from a program we support that sends North Carolina public school teachers to study at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. Through finding we provide to one of our beneficiary agencies, a group of middle school and high school educators are able to participate in a fully funded, immersive experience that equips them to bring accurate, meaningful Holocaust education back to their classrooms.
For many teachers, it is a transformative week. They return not only with a deeper understanding of history, but also with the tools to combat antisemitism and foster empathy among their students. By empowering educators, we’re helping them to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are not just taught but truly understood — reaching thousands of students across the state in the process.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem(s) you are trying to solve?
Absolutely. First, we need sustained investment in education that builds historical awareness and critical thinking — not just in response to crises, but as an ongoing commitment. Antisemitism, like other forms of hate, thrives where there’s ignorance, misinformation, and lack of context.
Second, leaders across sectors — from government to business to faith and civic life — must champion a culture of mutual respect and civic responsibility. That means calling out hate in all its forms, but also proactively creating spaces where every community, including the Jewish community, feels seen, heard, and valued.
Third, we need trusted partnerships between local leaders and community institutions. Real, lasting impact happens when education, policy and grassroots engagement are aligned. At Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, we see ourselves as a convener and bridge-builder, and we welcome collaboration that helps make our communities stronger, safer and more united.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is the ability to inspire others toward a shared vision while creating the conditions for others to thrive, grow and take ownership. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions, listening with intention and leading with both clarity and compassion.
At its core, leadership is about showing up — especially when it’s hard. One powerful example is how our Federation responded in the immediate aftermath of October 7. Overnight, we became a first responder — raising emergency funds, offering emotional and educational support, addressing rising antisemitism and creating spaces for community healing.
That moment wasn’t about titles or job descriptions, it was about stepping forward with courage, humility and care. As a Jewish leader, I view that responsibility as both practical and deeply moral: to protect, to guide and to serve in ways that strengthen our entire community.
5 Things You Need to Know Before Leading a Non-Profit
- You’re Not Just Building Programs — You’re Building Trust. When I first stepped into nonprofit leadership with Hillel, I focused on creating great events and initiatives. But I quickly realized that meaningful impact isn’t built on programming alone — it’s built on relationships. The trust that forms when you show up for people during personal challenges or uncertain times is what ultimately fuels the long-term engagement. The most successful programs grow out of those trusted connections — not the other way around.
- Fundraising is Sacred Work. Early on, I viewed fundraising as a necessary chore. But I’ve come to understand that it’s an extremely powerful way to bring others into the mission. A donor once thanked me for giving them “an opportunity to give.” That shifted everything. Fundraising is about inviting others to live their values and be part of your vision. It’s deeply rational work. One of my proudest moments was helping secure a legacy gift that made it possible to build a new Hillel building — a lasting symbol of that shared vision.
- You Can’t — and Shouldn’t — Do it Alone. I used to think I had to carry it all — strategy, programming, crisis response, etc. But true leadership is about building a team and sharing the load. The most successful initiatives I’ve led came from partnerships — with colleagues, volunteers, board members and community allies. In the Jewish world especially, we talk a lot about collective responsibility. Leading a nonprofit is a team sport, and the best leaders know when to lift others up and when to get out of the way.
- You Will Be Called Upon in Crisis. After October 7, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s role shifted overnight. We became a first responder — mobilizing emergency aid, addressing media, organizing rallies and supporting grieving families. Nothing in a job description prepares you for moments like that. But they will come. And when they do, people will look to you for calm, clarity and action. Crisis leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers — it means showing up with compassion, urgency and a steady hand.
- Not Everyone Will Like You — And That’s Okay. Leading a nonprofit often means standing at the center of competing opinions. During my time at Hillel, our support for Israel frustrated some students, while our interfaith work upset others. Leadership requires making tough calls and being okay with disagreement. You can lead with empathy and still be decisive. The key is staying anchored in your mission and understanding that respectful disagreement doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re doing something that matters.
We are very blessed that prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your nonprofit? He or she just may see this, especially if we tag them!
If I had the opportunity, I’d love to sit down with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt — the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor & Combat Antisemitism. Her work sits at the intersection of education, identity and global justice — all deeply aligned with the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte. While we are rooted in the Jewish community, our work speaks to a broader goal: creating resilient, inclusive and values-driven communities. We’re not just responding to crises — we’re investing in the next generation, standing up against hate in all forms and ensuring that no one faces hardship alone.
I believe Ambassador Lipstadt would appreciate how communities like Charlotte are not only confronting antisemitism, but also building strength through education, coalition-building and meaningful community engagement. The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about ensuring continuity, connection and compassion at home and around the world.
I would be honored to share our work with her — and even more honored if she joined us for a future community event!
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson” quote? How is that relevant to your life?
One of my favorite life lessons comes from Pirkei Avot 2:21and is attributed to Rabbi Tarfon:
“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.”
This quote has anchored me throughout my leadership journey. In Jewish nonprofit life — and really in any mission-driven work — there’s rarely a finish line. The needs of a community evolve, crises emerge, and the vision for a better future is always just ahead. But this teaching reminds me that it’s not about solving everything. It’s about showing up, doing the work with integrity, and staying committed even when it’s hard.
And while it may be controversial in a time when we rightfully emphasize work-life balance, I believe that leading a Jewish nonprofit isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. It demands resilience, heart, humility, and a deep sense of peoplehood. We often say “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” — all Jews are responsible for one another. That sense of shared responsibility is the thread that runs through every nonprofit mission worth leading. It’s what makes the work challenging — and what makes it matter.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your mission.
Adam Kolett of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte On 5 Things You Need to Know to… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.