Board of Directors

Camp Laurelwood is fortunate to be governed by a highly dedicated, all volunteer Board of Directors. Click below to learn about the importance of and the impact that Camp Laurelwood has had on their lives.

Eric Brown - President

President, West Hartford Lock Co. LLC
B.S. from Cornell University 1998
Laurelwood Camper 1986-1990
Laurelwood Staff 1991 – 1995
Laurelwood Parent 2013 – Present

“Camp Laurelwood helped define my childhood, providing me with lifelong friends and wonderful memories. As a staff member in the Laurelwood Kitchen, I learned invaluable lessons about leadership, hard work, loyalty, and teamwork which have easily translated to my personal and professional life as an adult. Now a parent of 3 children attending Laurelwood, I am thrilled to see how incredibly important and impactful their Laurelwood experience is for them, and we enjoy sharing our camp stories with each other. I am honored to be a member of the Board and to have the opportunity to help ensure that Laurelwood may continue to be a positive influence on the lives of many in the years to come.”

Scott Mendlestein - Vice President

Managing Shareholder-Falk, Waas, Hernandez, Solomon, Mendlestein & Davis, P.A.
J.D., University of Miami 1999
B.A., The University of Massachusetts 1996
Laurelwood Camper: 1986-1988
Laurelwood Kitchen: 1989-1996
Laurelwood Parent: 2018-present
Laurelwood Board Member: 2020-present

"My 11 summers at Laurelwood define me. The experiences, relationships and memories that came from them made an indelible impression on me. I pride myself on my tenacious work ethic, interpersonal skills, ability to lead and ferocious sense of loyalty—all of which were fostered in me during my Laurelwood years, particularly during my time in the CL Kitchen. In a very real sense, Laurelwood has always been at my core. I now have the privilege of seeing Laurelwood through the eyes of my children, Jake and Ava. As their love for Laurelwood grows and becomes a large part of defining who they are, I feel a deep responsibility to make sure that Laurelwood thrives for generations to come."

Michele Gottfried - Vice President

Attorney, Beazley Insurance, Claims Manager
B.A. University of Delaware
Brooklyn Law School, JD
Laurelwood Camper 1984-1990 and Captain of Team Simpsons
Laurelwood Parent 2007 - Current
Board Member since 2014

“Camp Laurelwood will forever be the best memories of my childhood. I want my children and others to be able to experience what I did - build a Jewish identity; create lifelong friendships; and have a place that just made you feel like you belonged there. Once you are a part of Laurelwood, there is a bond with everyone who also has a connection to it.“

Josh Erlanger - Treasurer

Vice President at Lerman Container Corporation
University Of Pittsburgh
Camp Laurelwood Camper 1986 -1992
Staff Member 1993 - 1997
Board Member 2004-2009, 2017 - Current

“Camp Laurelwood was where I did most of my growing up. To this day many of my best friends are the ones I made at Laurelwood. Being on the board gives me an opportunity to give back to my favorite place on earth and relive some of the best days of my life.”

Perri Albert - Secretary

Management Consultant, Transformation at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
MBA in Strategic Leadership and Organizational Change, Fisher College, 2017
B.S. of Management, Fisher College, 2016
Laurelwood Staff Member and Lifeguard 2011, 2013, 2014
Laurelwood Camper 2002-2010 (Big-O Captain, Team Narnia!)

“Camp Laurelwood has so many meanings to so many different people – for me, my core childhood years were spent inside the bubble learning who I was and who I wanted to be. I am grateful for those who made my and my brothers time at Camp possible, without them we wouldn’t have made the most amazing friends and memories. Serving on the Board of Directors allows me the opportunity to give back to the special place that gave my family and I so much. A true Laurelwood summer is so much more than just being away from home for a few months. It is truly life changing and I am excited for kids to experience the magic of Laurelwood for decades to come!”

Marci Levin - Past President

Program Management Advisor - Cigna
B.S. from Quinnipiac University 2008
M.B.A. from Walden University 2011
Camp Laurelwood Camper 1988
Staff Member 1994-1996 (Big O Captain in 1996)
Board Member since 2016

“Joining the Camp Laurelwood Board of Directors has allowed me to relive all of the wonderful memories that I have of being at Camp several years ago, and now, I am able to help others create similar long lasting memories. To me, Camp Laurelwood is all about memories and traditions and keeping those traditions alive and passing them on from generation to generation.”

Elie Honig

CNN Senior Legal Analyst
Former federal and state prosecutor
Emmy-nominated legal correspondent and bestselling author
Graduate of Rutgers University (1997) and Harvard Law School (2000)
Laurelwood Camper (1985-89), Kitchen (1990-92), Counselor (1993), Division Head (1994)

“All the cliches about camp are true, for me. I spent the best parts of my childhood at Laurelwood, I made lifelong friends, and I grew up there. Now, I’m honored to give back. It’s vital that Camp remains strong, so new generations of campers and staff can have the same experience I once did.”

Scott Cooper

President, Cooper New England Sales, Inc.
B.A. American University, 1987
Laurelwood Camper 1976-1979
Staff Member 1981-1983.
Board Member 30 years, President 2004-2005, 2016-2017
Laurelwood Parent 2004 – 2018 with 3 children at camp.

“CLW is important to me because I know first hand the impact that it had on me in terms of developing my own Jewish identity as well as a sense of self confidence and independence. Some of the best friendships I have made have been a result of camp. I became involved with camp so that I can help provide the same experience for my children. As I have stayed involved over the years, I have come to appreciate the importance of this institution for our entire Jewish community and look forward to seeing it continue for future generations.”

Sam Kantrow

Meteorologist at WTNH-New Haven
B.S Western Connecticut State University
Laurelwood Camper 1995-2002
Staff Member 2003 - 2010
Board Member 2014-present
Camp Parent since 2016

“In everyone's life, maturity comes at different times. For some it is a single moment with a life-changing event, for others it happens gradually into adulthood. For me the change happened instantly at Camp Laurelwood. Camp taught me how to grow, how to be independent, and how to have the strength to pave my own way to success. I met my best friends at camp, the friends that have since become family to me. Since age 7 camp has always been a part of my year but its the whole reason I became the person I am today. The best part is, now I have kids that get to share those same experiences and memories I had at camp as campers themselves!”

Dr. Ryan Loss

Executive Director, Connecticut Behavioral Health, LLC
Licensed Psychologist, Connecticut
Laurelwood Camper 84-90
Past Board President

"Laurelwood holds a special place in my heart. It was the place that provided me with the opportunity to grow each summer as a person by learning valuable life skills such as problem solving, independence, and relationship building. I joined the board in 2013 to help support and maintain Laurelwood's presence in the community where kids/adolescents can come to a place of joy each summer and grow as people."

Jason Malkin

Managing Member - Chimera Securities
B.A. Clark University 1997
Laurelwood Camper 1988-1990
Staff Member 1992-1996
Laurelwood Parent 2015 - Present

"Camp Laurelwood was a huge part of my childhood. Through a scholarship, I was able to attend a camp that exposed me to new experiences and a sense of independence that I never would have achieved otherwise. My children have grown up hearing my stories of camp - and I am thrilled that they will now get a chance to make their own Laurelwood memories. Being on the board of directors is a way for me to give back and ensure that all of our children will continue to have the true Laurelwood experience."

Allyson Koplin

Laurelwood Current Camp Parent-3 Children
Laurelwood Board Member
Laurelwood Past Camp Mom-Health Center
Laurelwood Past Camper
Laurelwood Past Staff Member
BA Colgate University,1994
Ph.D. Adelphi University, 2002
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice in New York City
School Psychologist at Horace Mann School

“Camp Laurelwood has been an important part of my life from childhood to present. From making lifelong friends and experiencing the joy of attending a Jewish camp, Laurelwood has always had a special place in my heart. I am overjoyed to have my own children continue to love Laurelwood and benefit from the opportunities it holds to form connections and develop independence. Being a member of the Board is important to me to ensure Laurelwood can continue to thrive and offer future generations all the gifts it has to offer.”

Justin Koplin

President APEC Paper Industries
Founder/Owner Coverd Photo
B.A. Johns Hopkins University '95
Laurelwood Parent 2011-Present

"Seeing the positive impact that Camp Laurelwood has on my three daughters fills me with joy. I want to do my part to be sure this wonderful institution continues to thrive so future generations can be a part of this vital and important community."

Heather Kronewetter

Superintendent, Oakstone Community School
B.S. from Bowling Green State University 1996
M. Ed. from Ashland University 2011
Camp Laurelwood Staff Member 1992 - 1994 (Big O Captain, Division Head)

“The summers I spent at Laurelwood were life changing. I developed a deeper understanding of tradition, culture, and friendship at Laurelwood. Joining Camp Laurelwood’s Board is an opportunity for me to bring my passion for the camp experience to as many children as possible. My hope is that campers will leave the summer with greater self-confidence, an understanding of teamwork, leadership skills, and compassion for others. I am honored to serve the Board and excited for the future of Camp Laurelwood.”

Jeff Rubin

(Scooby’s Dad!!)

CT Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster, owner Husky Adjusters LLC
B.S. Accounting UCONN, 76’
Laurelwood Camper, Counselor, Division Leader: 1969-1975
Captain-Sweden 1969 (General-Congo)
Co-namer of ’The Cave’ 1975
Laurelwood Camper Parent 1999-2004
Laurelwood Board Member since 2004 including years as Secretary/Treasurer on
the Executive Board
Member UCONN Cheerleaders Alumni Association
Member Pan American Historical Foundation
National Champion of Panama- Ms. Pacman 1983

"I have four life passions: #1 is my son David (Scooby). I went to my first rock concert;
The Who, Jefferson Airplane, BB King w/ Joshua Light Show on a Camp Laurelwood
overnight field trip, August 12, 1969 (4 days before Woodstock). Scooby and I have
since attended over 300 concerts/shows leading to his passion for music and him
becoming one of the top DJ's in CT. He continues to DJ the end of season Laurelwood
Banquet/Social. Evenly tied for #2 in my heart is Camp Laurelwood, the UCONN Huskies
and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am)."

Ali Nadel

Laurelwood parent 2021 - present
J.D. George Washington University Law School 2005
B.A. Northwestern University 2000

"My children fell in love with Camp Laurelwood during their first summer, and their attachment has grown each year. It is gratifying and heartwarming to see the transformative impact that Camp has on their lives. Camp Laurelwood creates a strong sense of belonging, fosters deep bonds, instills them with pride in their Judaism and in themselves, and brings out the best in them. I am proud to serve on the board to ensure that Camp Laurelwood continues to be a beloved summer home for my children and for future generations of campers."

Jason Weeks

B.A. University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1997)
Juris Doctor, New York Law School (2007)
Laurelwood Camper (1985-89), Kitchen (1990-92), Counselor (1993), Division Head (1994)

"Camp Laurelwood is woven into the very fabric of my being. The experiences I had there shaped me into the person I am today. My journey at Laurelwood began in 1984, as a shy and unsure camper. By the end of that summer, I had blossomed into a confident and outgoing individual, surrounded by newfound friends and eagerly awaiting the next year. Those formative years as a camper were followed by rewarding experiences on the other side. I spent three years (1990-1992) contributing in the kitchen, and then transitioned into counselor and division head roles in 1993 and 1994, respectively. The diverse perspectives I gained throughout my time at camp – as a camper, staff member, and now a parent with two children attending – have profoundly shaped the person I am today. Serving on the Board of Directors presents a unique opportunity to give back to the place that has given me so much. I am eager to help ensure that future generations have the chance to experience the magic of Camp Laurelwood and embark on their own transformative journeys."

Henry M Zachs

B.A. Trinity College 1956
Recipient of The Eigenbrodt Cup in 2006 (Trinity’s highest alumni award)
MBA Wharton School at UPenn 1958
Founder, CEO & President of Message Center Beepers, Message Center Management, and Investor in 14+ start-up cellular companies
Director of and/or Advisor to The Bushnell, Connecticut Historical Society, JFACT, New England Jewish Academy, Oak Hill School, Solomon Schechter Day School, Trinity College Hillel, Trinity College Watkinson Library, UConn Hillel
Trustee of Oak Hill School, Trinity College Watkinson Library, Wadsworth Atheneum
Former Trustee or Director/Chairman of Greater Hartford Jewish Federation, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Williston Northampton School, Trinity College, Florence Griswold Museum, United Way
Funded buildings at Williston (Admissions building), UConn School of Social Work, UConn Fine Arts, UConn Hillel, Trinity College Hillel and Connecticut College Hillel, among other rebuilding/refurbishing projects for charities in CT
We have rehabilitated virtually every building at Laurelwood
Partnered with several Indian Tribes across the U.S. to enter FCC lotteries as wire line carriers with cellular licenses to generate revenue as independent nations. This was the first recognition of the Indian preference.
President of Zachs Family Foundation

“Laurelwood is the best overnight Jewish camp in CT. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

About Laurelwood