Marshall Jacobson

2025 Volunteer Leadership Award

Former Vice President, United Jewish Appeal | Former Regional Director, United Jewish Communities Midwest Office

Marshall Jacobson’s decades-long career in Jewish communal service is a testament to a lifelong commitment to Tikkun Olam—the call to help repair the world. Over more than 40 years, he held executive leadership roles across national and regional Jewish federations, advancing philanthropy, humanitarian aid, and community empowerment.

After earning his master’s degree from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice in 1965, Marshall began his journey at the Kansas City Jewish Federation. He went on to serve as Executive Director of the Louisville Jewish Federation and later joined the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, where he helped raise nearly $180 million over a decade.

In 1984, he became Vice President of the national United Jewish Appeal (UJA) in New York. There, he played a pivotal role in international resettlement efforts for Soviet and Ethiopian Jews, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for their rescue and integration. He later led UJA’s Midwest region in Chicago and concluded his formal career as the American representative to the Jewish Agency for Israel.

Marshall’s impact extended well beyond retirement. He volunteered for 12 years with the Executive Service Corps of Chicago, served on the Crown Family School’s Board of Directors (now emeritus), appeared in eight community theater productions, pursued lifelong learning at Northwestern’s Osher Institute, and launched Tours R Us Chicago, a local touring company that reflects his love for education and engagement.

A proud father and husband, Marshall has been married to Beverly for over 60 years. His leadership legacy continues to inspire through service, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the community.