Executive Director
(410) 523-2446, Extension 1121
Alex Pomerantz has always had a passion for helping the Jewish community. Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Alex moved to the Tidewater area in 1993 and was actively involved as a lay leader in the Tidewater Jewish community for 19 years. In 2011, Alex turned his passion into a career as a Jewish professional. Alex’s work history includes the Simon Family Jewish Community Center, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF), and now, acting as the Executive Director for Beth Am Synagogue.
Alex’s passion for the Jewish community has led him to Baltimore and he will now do everything he can to move Beth Am in the right direction, for its members and the community.
In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing poker, golf, eating at local restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Please feel free to contact Alex with any questions you have.
Director of Congregational Engagement and Programming
(410) 523-2446, Extension 1130
Susannah Kolstad was born here in Baltimore and raised in Hyattsville and Silver Spring, MD. After college, she moved to Northern Virginia where her husband was working as a government contractor in and around the Pentagon. She converted to Judaism in December 2007 and became actively involved in her synagogue, Agudas Achim Congregation, including being a part of their band, Ein Lanu Z’man, and volunteering and leading young family events. For the last decade she has dedicated her time to running her own business as a postpartum doula, educator, and retreat leader, and volunteering for her synagogue and in the homeschool community. In late 2018, Susannah moved to Harford County and became actively involved in creating programming and events at Temple Adas Shalom in Havre de Grace. As many did during the pandemic, Susannah came to realize that her passion lied in building and engaging community members, especially within the Jewish Community. She is excited to be following her passion of engaging the congregation and community here at Beth Am.
In her free time, Susannah loves Broadway musicals, knitting and crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She spends a great amount of time tending her little homestead in Bel Air with her husband, Brian, and her three kids. Susannah looks forward to building a relationship with each of you.
Office Manager and Rabbi’s Assistant
(410) 523-2446, Extension 1111
Devora Cohen joined the Beth Am team just before Rosh Hashanah in 2019 as the administrative assistant, following her move to Baltimore from Detroit, MI. Devora is now the Synagogue’s Office Manager and Senior Rabbi’s Assistant, as well as a teacher in our Jewish Discovery LAB. She recently graduated from Towson University, receiving a Masters in Human Resource Development. In her spare time, Devora enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family.
Financial Coordinator
(410) 523-2446, Extension 1117
Jennifer Millard comes to Beth Am with an extensive background in customer service and leadership, having worked as an office manager, operational support at local brokerages, in retail management, and as a Kindergarten teacher and director of preschool. Jen has a passion for writing and graduated from Salisbury University (Go Gulls!) with a degree in Elementary Education. In her spare time, Jen is a wedding officiant and a freelance copy editor, with dreams of one day opening a cozy bookstore! A proud Baltimorean, Jen is honored to have a role helping advance Beth Am Synagogue.
Marketing & Communications Manager (410) 523-2446, Extension 1120
Asella Medina-Smith joined the Beth Am team in March 2023 and has a background in musical theatre performance, social media management, and content creation. Along with managing all marketing and communications for the synagogue, she is the coordinator for BAYITT, our group for 20s and 30s. Originally from San Diego, CA, Asella has lived all over the country and spent 3 years in England before making the move to charming Baltimore.
Asella enjoys taking walks in Patterson Park, having friends over for Shabbat, and performing with local theatre companies.
Executive Director Emeritus
Henry was our executive director from 2000 through 2017. He and his family were members prior to that, with both Henry and Renee’ serving on various committees. Renee’ served a term on the Board and sang in the choir for 24 years. Henry functioned as the “COO,” responsible for finance, planning, communications, member relations, community engagement, facilities management, and ensuring that clergy and educators had the infrastructure in place to attain the religious, spiritual, educational, and community-oriented goals of the synagogue. With over 20 years of banking experience, and a personality endearing him to many, he brought much to Beth Am.
