The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, at its annual meeting on Jan. 19, welcomed a new slate of officers and three new members to its Board of Directors for 2023 including Jason Saltoun-Ebin, Deborah Samuel, and Michael Holland, with Eric Berg as president.

Berg is the founding partner of Berg Law Group, a boutique trial firm representing emerging and established companies, and individuals in high-stakes matters throughout California.

Berg is the past board chair of Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, and former chair of its civil rights committee.

In 2012 Berg was presented with ADL’s Harter-Myerson Award in recognition of his service as an outstanding community leader.

Berg earned a BA in political science from the University of California San Diego in 1984, where he was selected as student commencement speaker. He holds a law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law (1987).

Berg and his wife Shaunah have two sons, Matthew and Henry.

Saltoun-Ebin is a licensed real estate broker and attorney. He is the president of the Mission Canyon Association, and an advisory board member of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), where he chaired the civil rights committee.

He is married to attorney Jessica Zetley, who is the chief counsel at Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families. Saltoun-Ebin’s family is active with the Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara.

After a career as a nationally recognized educator, Samuel has founded multiple successful companies including 15 years at the helm of a custom home-construction company, and a senior downsizing-and-estate-sales company in Santa Barbara, providing vital services to the senior community and their families.

Samuel volunteers with the Jewish Federation, and she and her wife Kelsey are active members at Congregation B’nai B’rith.

Holland was born in New York and attended the City University of New York, where he studied engineering. He moved to California in 1969, and began working in communications for the city of Los Angeles and other companies developing medical, communications, and television system devices.

In 1989, Holland started his own company making television and satellite products internationally, and sold it when he retired in 2012.

After playing guitar in rock bands in the ’60s, Holland began playing again 15 years ago, and enjoys giving solo concerts for nonprofits and events.

Active with the Anti-Defamation League, Holland said he believes supporting the Jewish community gives it strength to overcome the many challenges it faces, including antisemitism.

Holland and his wife Christine, a retired lawyer, have lived on the Mesa for 20 years.

Additional board officers include Lauren Katz, immediate past president; Jillian Wittman, vice president; Jeff Mintz, treasurer; Ron Zonen, secretary; and Joan Rothenberg, member-at-large.

For a full listing of the board and more information about the Jewish Federation, visit jewishsantabarbara.org/board.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara is dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive local Jewish community, enhancing the well-being of Jews in Santa Barbara, Israel and worldwide; and strengthening the relationship between the Jewish community and the community at large. For more, visit jewishsantabarbara.org.