BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Preiss
President
I was born and raised in South Africa. After military service and an undergraduate education, I spent the next 2 years in Israel. I met my wife, Sherry, on Kibbutz Hanita. After living and working in Jerusalem, we moved to the United States, where we both attended graduate school. Thereafter, we settled in northern New Jersey and raised our son, Alex (now in Brooklyn, NY), and our daughter, Elyse (now in San Francisco).
Between 1980 and 2021, I served as a principal and vice president of a planning and real estate consulting firm, first in New York City and later in Hoboken, NJ. The practice primarily served clients in the private, non-profit, and governmental sectors, primarily in the New York metropolitan region. In 2021, Sherry and I both retired and moved to Sonoma to be closer to family, especially our grandson, Leon. Almost immediately upon arrival, we joined CSS.
In 2024, I joined the Board of CSS and am currently involved in a number of activities. I enjoy teaching at the CSS Hebrew School. I am on the Worship Committee, and also serve as liaison of the Board to the Social Action Committee. I participate in the CSS Book Club. I am a member of the Men’s Club and organize the weekly play of the Pickleballers.
In addition, I am involved in a number of community organizations outside of CSS. I am a mentor to a fifth-grade student at Sassarini Elementary School through the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. I recently joined the “7-11 Committee” of the School Board to help manage the disposition of surplus school property. I am also on the Roundabout Sculpture Selection Committee in Sonoma.
Thanks to the dedicated work of Rabbi Steve, Yaffa, and my predecessors, CSS thrives at the center of Jewish life in Sonoma Valley. Working together with our congregation and Board, I hope to ensure Jewish life in Sonoma remains a meaningful and joyous experience.
President
I was born and raised in South Africa. After military service and an undergraduate education, I spent the next 2 years in Israel. I met my wife, Sherry, on Kibbutz Hanita. After living and working in Jerusalem, we moved to the United States, where we both attended graduate school. Thereafter, we settled in northern New Jersey and raised our son, Alex (now in Brooklyn, NY), and our daughter, Elyse (now in San Francisco).
Between 1980 and 2021, I served as a principal and vice president of a planning and real estate consulting firm, first in New York City and later in Hoboken, NJ. The practice primarily served clients in the private, non-profit, and governmental sectors, primarily in the New York metropolitan region. In 2021, Sherry and I both retired and moved to Sonoma to be closer to family, especially our grandson, Leon. Almost immediately upon arrival, we joined CSS.
In 2024, I joined the Board of CSS and am currently involved in a number of activities. I enjoy teaching at the CSS Hebrew School. I am on the Worship Committee, and also serve as liaison of the Board to the Social Action Committee. I participate in the CSS Book Club. I am a member of the Men’s Club and organize the weekly play of the Pickleballers.
In addition, I am involved in a number of community organizations outside of CSS. I am a mentor to a fifth-grade student at Sassarini Elementary School through the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance. I recently joined the “7-11 Committee” of the School Board to help manage the disposition of surplus school property. I am also on the Roundabout Sculpture Selection Committee in Sonoma.
Thanks to the dedicated work of Rabbi Steve, Yaffa, and my predecessors, CSS thrives at the center of Jewish life in Sonoma Valley. Working together with our congregation and Board, I hope to ensure Jewish life in Sonoma remains a meaningful and joyous experience.
Jan Chernoff
Vice-President
I'm a native Californian. Since 2004, I've owned and operated a property management company specializing in executive and vacation rentals. The company currently handles 50 properties in San Francisco, Sonoma County, and Victoria, British Columbia. Prior to operating Casa Buena Vista Rentals, I spent twenty years traveling extensively in the recycling and paper export business.
Since 1995, my wife, Isabel Wade, and I have split our time between Glen Ellen and San Francisco. In San Francisco, we were members of Sherith Israel for more than 20 years and regular volunteers in the Ha Motzi program, dedicated to providing food for homeless families. In our free time, we enjoy tennis and traveling.
We became members of Congregation Shir Shalom more than 20 years ago, and still participate in a book group that originated at CSS when we joined. Our participation became more regular with the arrival of Rabbi Steve Finley, who officiated at our son’s wedding. We look forward to more mitzvahs ahead!
Vice-President
I'm a native Californian. Since 2004, I've owned and operated a property management company specializing in executive and vacation rentals. The company currently handles 50 properties in San Francisco, Sonoma County, and Victoria, British Columbia. Prior to operating Casa Buena Vista Rentals, I spent twenty years traveling extensively in the recycling and paper export business.
Since 1995, my wife, Isabel Wade, and I have split our time between Glen Ellen and San Francisco. In San Francisco, we were members of Sherith Israel for more than 20 years and regular volunteers in the Ha Motzi program, dedicated to providing food for homeless families. In our free time, we enjoy tennis and traveling.
We became members of Congregation Shir Shalom more than 20 years ago, and still participate in a book group that originated at CSS when we joined. Our participation became more regular with the arrival of Rabbi Steve Finley, who officiated at our son’s wedding. We look forward to more mitzvahs ahead!
Matt Nydell
Treasurer
I am a seasoned corporate lawyer and executive, supporting small start-ups to global multinationals for over 35 years. Aside from my role as General Counsel for many companies, I have served as head of HR, Investor Relations, Corporate Development, Information Technology, Software Development, and even Marketing at various times in my career. I have over 25 years of experience in corporate governance, serving on many for-profit and not-for-profit corporate boards, both as a member and as corporate secretary.
My most memorable “role” was as “First Husband” at Congregation Beth Jacob in Plymouth, MA, which I dutifully served during my wife Marjorie’s four-year reign as president. We have been married for over 40 years and now live in the scenic foothills of Napa County on a 20-acre ranch. We are blessed with a wonderful son and daughter-in-law (Jonathan & Katie), together with a princess of a granddaughter, Leila, and our new grandson Caleb. I'm very excited about serving on the Shir Shalom Board and contributing to its future success.
Treasurer
I am a seasoned corporate lawyer and executive, supporting small start-ups to global multinationals for over 35 years. Aside from my role as General Counsel for many companies, I have served as head of HR, Investor Relations, Corporate Development, Information Technology, Software Development, and even Marketing at various times in my career. I have over 25 years of experience in corporate governance, serving on many for-profit and not-for-profit corporate boards, both as a member and as corporate secretary.
My most memorable “role” was as “First Husband” at Congregation Beth Jacob in Plymouth, MA, which I dutifully served during my wife Marjorie’s four-year reign as president. We have been married for over 40 years and now live in the scenic foothills of Napa County on a 20-acre ranch. We are blessed with a wonderful son and daughter-in-law (Jonathan & Katie), together with a princess of a granddaughter, Leila, and our new grandson Caleb. I'm very excited about serving on the Shir Shalom Board and contributing to its future success.
Linda Goldman
Secretary
I was born and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. After moving around the country searching for my place, I settled in California in 1984. I lived in San Francisco and Berkeley/Oakland until 2005, and then discovered bucolic Sonoma and never looked back.
My professional life has been that of a social worker, with a few years interspersed dabbling in real estate. My range of experience has been working with individuals and families in home health care, assisted living, or nursing home care; this includes being a manager and supervisor in those settings. I've been an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for many years and still wear that badge with honor. Locally, I was Director of Social Services at Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa, followed by a semi-retirement position at Healing at Home in Sonoma. I'm now fully retired, but once a social worker, always a social worker. I still identify strongly with that aspect of my life.
In addition to volunteer work at Bouverie Preserve (I serve on its Docent Council Board), I also volunteer at the CSS Hebrew school as a Hebrew tutor. Although my Hebrew's rusty, I manage to stay a few steps ahead of my students. I'm glad to have found a home within the Shir Shalom community. I look forward to my new adventure and commitment as a member of the Board.
Secretary
I was born and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. After moving around the country searching for my place, I settled in California in 1984. I lived in San Francisco and Berkeley/Oakland until 2005, and then discovered bucolic Sonoma and never looked back.
My professional life has been that of a social worker, with a few years interspersed dabbling in real estate. My range of experience has been working with individuals and families in home health care, assisted living, or nursing home care; this includes being a manager and supervisor in those settings. I've been an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) for many years and still wear that badge with honor. Locally, I was Director of Social Services at Spring Lake Village in Santa Rosa, followed by a semi-retirement position at Healing at Home in Sonoma. I'm now fully retired, but once a social worker, always a social worker. I still identify strongly with that aspect of my life.
In addition to volunteer work at Bouverie Preserve (I serve on its Docent Council Board), I also volunteer at the CSS Hebrew school as a Hebrew tutor. Although my Hebrew's rusty, I manage to stay a few steps ahead of my students. I'm glad to have found a home within the Shir Shalom community. I look forward to my new adventure and commitment as a member of the Board.
Armando 'Yosef' Hernandez
I was born and raised in Ventura, CA, then came to the San Francisco Bay Area for college and graduate school. I am a product of the Jewish campus experience. My formative years were spent actively participating in Hillel at Stanford and Santa Cruz Hillel, where I worked to bring fellow Jews together for Erev Shabbat dinners, services at local synagogues, Israel advocacy activities, as well as Jewish cultural and educational events on campus. While living in a kibbutz-style Jewish co-operative in college, I met my wife, Yohkheved. Today, I work as a biochemist in the Bay Area biopharmaceutical industry.
In 2021, we had the opportunity to move to the North Bay, and we chose to live in Sonoma because of its rich California history, beautiful scenery, tranquil living, and family-focused communities. Being a member of Congregation Shir Shalom has been an amazing experience, and it has given me the opportunity to build strong ties with the Sonoma Valley Jewish community. Working with Rabbi Finley, Yaffa, and CSS members over the past few years to co-lead Shabbat services, participate in the Lifelong Learning Committee, and bring people together has been a blessing and continues to enrich my Jewish experience. I look forward to working with fellow CSS Board members to secure the future of Congregation Shir Shalom for years to come.
I was born and raised in Ventura, CA, then came to the San Francisco Bay Area for college and graduate school. I am a product of the Jewish campus experience. My formative years were spent actively participating in Hillel at Stanford and Santa Cruz Hillel, where I worked to bring fellow Jews together for Erev Shabbat dinners, services at local synagogues, Israel advocacy activities, as well as Jewish cultural and educational events on campus. While living in a kibbutz-style Jewish co-operative in college, I met my wife, Yohkheved. Today, I work as a biochemist in the Bay Area biopharmaceutical industry.
In 2021, we had the opportunity to move to the North Bay, and we chose to live in Sonoma because of its rich California history, beautiful scenery, tranquil living, and family-focused communities. Being a member of Congregation Shir Shalom has been an amazing experience, and it has given me the opportunity to build strong ties with the Sonoma Valley Jewish community. Working with Rabbi Finley, Yaffa, and CSS members over the past few years to co-lead Shabbat services, participate in the Lifelong Learning Committee, and bring people together has been a blessing and continues to enrich my Jewish experience. I look forward to working with fellow CSS Board members to secure the future of Congregation Shir Shalom for years to come.
Sharon Malakoff
Membership
I was born in New York City, raised on Long Island, and went to college in upstate New York. Following what has become a typical migration, I moved to San Francisco in 1989, and began my migration north, first to Marin and in 2013, Sonoma.
My professional career began as a Recreation Therapist, working with physically disabled children and adults in rehabilitation hospital settings. That was followed by 30-plus years in the scientific/research and development industry, starting in advertising sales and finishing with helping global corporations make decisions on product development.
Retired since April 2020, my focus has been on enjoying and contributing to this amazing Sonoma community. Volunteering with the Mentoring Alliance and serving as a Mentor, working with other local non-profits, hiking the beautiful trails, and developing meaningful relationships have been most rewarding.
Joining Shir Shalom 13 years ago, I had no idea I’d find such an inclusive spiritual home and an amazing group of friends.
As part of the Board, I bring six years’ experience as Membership Chair. Conversations with prospective members provide me with a unique perspective and insight into why people consider joining CSS and what goes into their decision to ultimately do so.
Having recently been part of the Strategic Planning committee, our leadership’s commitment to Shir Shalom’s continued success is evident. It is the motivation for wanting to contribute more.
This is an exciting time in our history… approaching our 30-year anniversary with a solid strategic plan. I’m excited to work with this incredible Board, Rabbi Steve and Yaffa, and our remarkable congregation to help CSS continue to thrive as the Center of Jewish Life in Sonoma Valley.
Membership
I was born in New York City, raised on Long Island, and went to college in upstate New York. Following what has become a typical migration, I moved to San Francisco in 1989, and began my migration north, first to Marin and in 2013, Sonoma.
My professional career began as a Recreation Therapist, working with physically disabled children and adults in rehabilitation hospital settings. That was followed by 30-plus years in the scientific/research and development industry, starting in advertising sales and finishing with helping global corporations make decisions on product development.
Retired since April 2020, my focus has been on enjoying and contributing to this amazing Sonoma community. Volunteering with the Mentoring Alliance and serving as a Mentor, working with other local non-profits, hiking the beautiful trails, and developing meaningful relationships have been most rewarding.
Joining Shir Shalom 13 years ago, I had no idea I’d find such an inclusive spiritual home and an amazing group of friends.
As part of the Board, I bring six years’ experience as Membership Chair. Conversations with prospective members provide me with a unique perspective and insight into why people consider joining CSS and what goes into their decision to ultimately do so.
Having recently been part of the Strategic Planning committee, our leadership’s commitment to Shir Shalom’s continued success is evident. It is the motivation for wanting to contribute more.
This is an exciting time in our history… approaching our 30-year anniversary with a solid strategic plan. I’m excited to work with this incredible Board, Rabbi Steve and Yaffa, and our remarkable congregation to help CSS continue to thrive as the Center of Jewish Life in Sonoma Valley.
Sydney S. Randazzo
Communications
A native Californian and 3rd generation Angeleno, my husband John and I moved full-time to Sonoma from Mill Valley over 13 years ago. Prior to retiring, I worked in the San Francisco advertising industry for 10 years before opening a consulting business specializing in media planning. That led me to Sonoma and a 25-year relationship with Spanish winemaker Freixenet USA and their local subsidiary, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards.
Volunteer work has always been an important part of my life. While living in Mill Valley, I served on the Board of To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation, as chair of the grants committee, Vice President, and eventually, President of the Board. To Celebrate Life provides education and support services for women, men, and their families who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In Sonoma, I was a member of Impact100 for nine years and served on both the Impact Grant and Community Grant committees. I joined the Board of Directors of Impact and was later named President of the Board, serving for two years. As a member of Impact, I learned about the many nonprofits that serve the Sonoma Valley, including Teen Services Sonoma, which led me to join their Board, culminating with their merger with Boys & Girls Clubs in 2020.
John and I've worked on various CSS committees over the past seven years, and as a member of the CSS Board, I look forward to contributing to its continued success, growth, and presence in the Sonoma Valley.
Communications
A native Californian and 3rd generation Angeleno, my husband John and I moved full-time to Sonoma from Mill Valley over 13 years ago. Prior to retiring, I worked in the San Francisco advertising industry for 10 years before opening a consulting business specializing in media planning. That led me to Sonoma and a 25-year relationship with Spanish winemaker Freixenet USA and their local subsidiary, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards.
Volunteer work has always been an important part of my life. While living in Mill Valley, I served on the Board of To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation, as chair of the grants committee, Vice President, and eventually, President of the Board. To Celebrate Life provides education and support services for women, men, and their families who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In Sonoma, I was a member of Impact100 for nine years and served on both the Impact Grant and Community Grant committees. I joined the Board of Directors of Impact and was later named President of the Board, serving for two years. As a member of Impact, I learned about the many nonprofits that serve the Sonoma Valley, including Teen Services Sonoma, which led me to join their Board, culminating with their merger with Boys & Girls Clubs in 2020.
John and I've worked on various CSS committees over the past seven years, and as a member of the CSS Board, I look forward to contributing to its continued success, growth, and presence in the Sonoma Valley.
Ken Wornick
I'm a 30-year career grape grower and winemaker. I've sat on numerous religious and cultural boards, including Chair of the Board of the Jewish Day School in Foster City, officer positions at the “J” (the SF Jewish Newspaper), AIPAC, SF Federation, and active roles with Birthright and the Republican Jewish Coalition. In addition, I was more recently an officer of the board of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and am currently Vice-Chair of the board at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival. My wife Cynthia and I have been married for 35 years and have three grown children. We enjoy all things outdoors, ranching, and motorcycling.
I'm honored to serve on the Shir Shalom Board and I hope my experience and energy will be a good addition to the talented folks currently serving.
I'm a 30-year career grape grower and winemaker. I've sat on numerous religious and cultural boards, including Chair of the Board of the Jewish Day School in Foster City, officer positions at the “J” (the SF Jewish Newspaper), AIPAC, SF Federation, and active roles with Birthright and the Republican Jewish Coalition. In addition, I was more recently an officer of the board of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and am currently Vice-Chair of the board at the Sonoma Valley Film Festival. My wife Cynthia and I have been married for 35 years and have three grown children. We enjoy all things outdoors, ranching, and motorcycling.
I'm honored to serve on the Shir Shalom Board and I hope my experience and energy will be a good addition to the talented folks currently serving.
