WEST HARTFORD – Lisa Vaeth, who has served as director of the Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford for the past 15 years, has been elected co-chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Cemetery Association of North America (JCANA). Vaeth shares the position with Jamie H. Cotel of the New York-based Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries. Prior to her appointment she served as JCANA’s treasurer,

“I am very honored to be elected co-chair of JCANA,” said Vaeth. “Jamie and I, along with a dedicated and talented Board, have a great vision for expanding our organization’s membership. As I begin my term, I plan to continue and expand upon the vision of our organization’s original founders: William Draimin of Toronto Hebrew Memorial Parks, Stanley Kaplan of the Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts and Ralph Zuckman of Clover Hill Cemetery in Michigan.”

Since joining the staff of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford 27 years ago, Vaeth has held positions in various facets of the agency, including general campaign development, women’s philanthropy, young leadership, event management, and office management. She also served as the Federation’s director of operations for 10 years. As director of the Federation’s Association of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Hartford, she oversees 30 historic Jewish burial grounds.

“Federation’s cemeteries are in good hands with Lisa,” said Howard Sovronsky, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. “Along with our lay co-chairs, Henry Zachs and Victor Bernstein, Lisa helps to ensure that our cemeteries receive the care and respect they deserve. She also works one-on-one with bereaved families to help them honor and remember their loved ones. It’s a sacred task and Lisa handles it beautifully. JCANA made a wise decision to elect her as co-chair.”

In 2017, Vaeth graduated from the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association at the University of Memphis, where she received a full scholarship for four years. In addition to her work with JCANA, she is an active member of the Connecticut and New England Cemetery Associations.­

CAP: JCANA Co-Chairs Lisa Vaeth (left) and Jamie Cotel (right) at JCANA’s 10th Annual Conference, with keynote speaker Rabbi Daniel Cohen, spiritual leader of Stamford’s Congregation Agudath Sholom and formerly of the Young Israel of West Hartford.