Tikkun Ha-Ir Names Sarah Yonas Executive Director
Sarah Yonas officially assumed her role as the third executive director of the Milwaukee organization on September 14, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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Sarah Yonas stepped into her new position as executive director of Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee on September 14, 2026. She succeeds Sami Stein Avner as the third person to lead the organization.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a leadership change for a group that prioritizes a blend of service, learning, and direct impact within the community. Yonas aims to build upon this foundation by expanding the organization's volunteer base and deepening its local presence.
Sarah Yonas serves as the 3rd executive director in the history of Tikkun Ha-Ir. She brings experience from a 15-year career in Texas before moving to Milwaukee in 2023.
The players
Sarah Yonas
She is the newly appointed executive director of Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee who previously served as a regional director for BBYO.
Sami Stein Avner
She is the outgoing executive director of Tikkun Ha-Ir of Milwaukee who is working with her successor to ensure a smooth transition.
The details
Yonas is working closely with outgoing executive director Sami Stein Avner to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. Beyond her new role, Yonas maintains local ties as a Hebrew teacher at Congregation Shalom and head of the madrichim program at Congregation Emanu-El.
Timeline
Sarah Yonas moved to Milwaukee in 2023.
Sarah Yonas began her role as executive director on September 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as nonprofit organizations increasingly shift toward service-learning models that require specialized operational management. Yonas's background in both regional youth engagement and local congregational leadership positions the organization to compete for a broader volunteer demographic.
Residents interested in community engagement may see new outreach initiatives as the organization works to expand its volunteer base. Those involved in Tikkun Ha-Ir programs can expect continuity during the leadership transition between Avner and Yonas.
The takeaway
Nonprofit leadership transitions often provide an opportunity for organizations to re-evaluate their outreach strategies. Community members looking to volunteer should monitor the organization's public channels for upcoming service opportunities under the new administration.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts in the Milwaukee People section.
More information
For information on how to get involved, visit the Tikkun Ha-Ir volunteer opportunities portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle | Jewish Life, Jewish Community and Events in Wisconsin.
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