The Jewish Community Foundation announced that Suzanne Galblum Dicken has been hired as its new director of philanthropy.
Dicken brings to the role nonprofit development experience and philanthropic passion, especially for the Jewish community. At the Foundation, she’ll work closely with fundholders and nonprofit partners to strategically reach charitable goals and build essential resources for the future.
Dicken is a Kansas City native and graduate of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) and Indiana University. She and her husband, Austin, a veterinarian, live with their two young daughters in Prairie Village, Kansas.
Dicken comes from a family of nonprofit professionals and was taught the importance of giving back to the community at a young age. She was among the first participants in the Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program, which introduces b’nai mitzvah-age teens to philanthropy.
“B’nai Tzedek underscored for me the important role of my generation and those that come after in sustaining and strengthening the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam,” she said.
Prior to joining the Foundation’s team, Dicken was the vice president of strategic development at Byrne Pelofsky and Associates, where she managed a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, including HBHA. While in this role, she successfully developed business relationships and supported many nonprofit fundraising efforts. Dicken has also gained valuable experience working in development and marketing for architecture firms, including one in Edinburgh, Scotland, which specializes in historic renovations.
At the Foundation, Dicken will be responsible for creating, sustaining and expanding strong relationships with current and new fundholders and communal partners. She will also lead fund development efforts and capacity building, and she’ll oversee the Foundation’s J-LEAD and Create a Jewish Legacy programs. As director of philanthropy, Dicken will work with donors to provide customized strategies and deliver a high quality of personal customer service.
“What draws me to the Jewish Community Foundation is its unwavering commitment to maximizing philanthropic impact for both donors and the agencies they support,” Dicken said. “I’m enthusiastic about directly engaging with donors and philanthropists and facilitating their understanding of the transformative power of giving. I firmly believe that deeply engaged donors contribute not only to the strength of the organizations they support but also to the creation of enduring positive change.”
“Suzanne is incredibly personable and passionate about the nonprofit sector in general and the Jewish community specifically,” said Josh Stein, Foundation executive director. “Having grown up as an active member of our community, she has already established meaningful connections which, combined with her impressive knowledge of and enthusiasm for philanthropy, will help her thrive in this position. I’m excited to welcome Suzanne to our team.”
Dicken began work at the Foundation on March 11, meeting with Foundation fundholders, leadership and communal partners.
Those wanting to connect with Dicken can contact her at or (913) 327-8286.
