Jonathan Cookler, Vice Chair of the Board
Jonathan Cookler was born, raised and continues to reside in the San Fernando Valley where he was Bar Mitzvahed and confirmed at Adat Ari El (formerly Valley Jewish Community Center).
After graduating from Birmingham High School, he attended UCLA where he successively received a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting, a Masters of Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor in Law. He became a member of the California Bar immediately thereafter.
After law school, Jonathan worked at Gillespie Furniture Company, a family-owned business which was the largest manufacturer of case goods and waterbeds on the West Coast. He became president in 1975.
After selling the company in 1983, he became involved in commercial and industrial real estate development and management and is now president of Avalon Investment Co.
Even as a young professional, Jonathan was actively involved in the Jewish community of Los Angeles. He joined the UJA Young Leadership Cabinet sponsored by The Jewish Federation which triggered a lifelong commitment to leading and supporting worthwhile community endeavors under the umbrella of The Jewish Federation. Jonathan has served on and chaired many committees, projects and events, ultimately serving as president of the Valley Alliance of The Jewish Federation. Jonathan also serves on the Executive Committee of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, where he has chaired several committees including The Council on Jewish Life, Planning and Allocations, Budget and the Finance Committee. He now serves as the Vice Chairman of The Jewish Federation.
Jonathan is also proud to serve on the Executive Committee of the Anti-Defamation League, for which he chaired and has been the honoree of the ADL El Caballero Golf Tournament, as well as chairing the Annual ADL Dinner. Accompanied by his wife Faith, he has also participated in a number of global ADL Leadership missions.
Jonathan has been actively involved as a member of Valley Beth Shalom, serving on the Board of Directors as Facilities Chair, then as a member of the Board of Governors.
