February 25, 2008 (New York, NY)
William D. Samers, a nationally respected authority on charitable estate planning and an attorney, has joined UJA-Federation of New York as vice president, planned giving and endowments, announced Paul M. Kane, senior vice president, financial resources development.
Mr. Samers reports directly to Mr. Kane and serves on the financial resources development senior leadership team, actively participating in formulating long-range development initiatives and objectives.
He assumes a post previously held by Charles B. Goldman, a widely recognized expert in planned giving and a gifted attorney, who died last year after a dedicated tenure at UJA-Federation that spanned 17 years.
"Bill brings extensive experience and a proven track record in developing and executing strategic approaches to planned giving and endowments," said Mr. Kane. "With his enormous effectiveness and tremendous successes throughout his career in the Jewish community, Bill provides strong leadership in the vital area of gift planning and endowments."
Mr. Samers oversees all aspects of planned giving and endowments, including creating and implementing new approaches for realizing strategic goals; working with senior leadership, both volunteers and professionals; providing donors with educational opportunities to learn about planned giving and endowments; and assisting prospective donors and their advisors in their estate-planning efforts.
Mr. Samers was associated with the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science for eight years, most recently as vice president, gift development and compliance, and earlier as director of the Gift Planning and Diplomat Program. He was also a member of the organization's management team.
Previously, Mr. Samers was the assistant director of planned giving at the American Society for TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology, where his responsibilities included training national and regional staff and lay leadership in gift solicitation and counseling high-net-worth individuals.
Mr. Samers's experience includes leadership positions in professional organizations. He serves on the board of the National Committee on Planned Giving and is the immediate past president of the Planned Giving Group of Greater New York. In addition, he has taught courses in planned giving as a faculty member of New York University¹s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Samers had been associated with the New York law firm Heidell, Pittoni, Murphy & Bach. He received his law degree from Boston University Law School and his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Samers comes from a family long active in Jewish communal life. His father, Bernard, is the former executive vice president of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, and his mother, Edith, is the former executive director of the Stamford Jewish Federation.
Mr. Samers lives in East Hills, Long Island, with his wife, Robin, and two children.
About UJA-Federation of New York
The world¹s largest local philanthropy, UJA-Federation of New York strengthens community and helps 1.4 million people in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island, as well as 3 million in Israel and 60 other countries. Funds raised by UJA-Federation sustain the activities of more than 100 health, human-service, educational, and community agencies. Every day, these community-based organizations provide a multitude of services that improve and enhance people¹s lives.
