Honor Cathy Rolland by Investing in the Future
Cathy Rolland, RJE has spent her career championing Jewish early childhood education and the people who make it thrive. After nearly two decades of leadership at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Cathy recently retired as Vice President of North American Congregational Services and Community Vibrancy. As ECE-RJ’s founding president and a steadfast advocate for the field, Cathy has played an essential role in shaping our organization and strengthening Jewish early childhood education across North America.
When we first began planning Cathy's retirement celebration, we imagined bringing friends and colleagues together to honor her extraordinary career and the profound impact she has had on Jewish early childhood education.
Then, in true Cathy Rolland fashion, she asked a simple question:
"How can we make the biggest difference for the field?"
That question changed everything.
Rather than hosting a traditional celebration, we've chosen to honor Cathy in the way she would value most—by directing our efforts toward the future.
Your gift to the Zukow-Rolland Seeds of Compassion Fund will help nurture, inspire, and develop the next generation of Jewish early childhood leaders, ensuring that Cathy's legacy continues to grow for years to come.
Although we won't all gather in one room, we invite you to celebrate Cathy by sharing your memories, photos, and messages through our online Tribute Journal and video gallery. Together, we'll create a lasting tribute to a leader, mentor, colleague, and friend whose influence will continue to shape our field for generations.
For those who would like to celebrate with Cathy in person, you are warmly invited to join us for Shabbat services and brunch on Saturday, January 23, in Seattle. Space is limited, so if you are interested in attending, please contact Tricia Ginis at tginis@ecerjj.org for additional information.
Whether you Plant a Seed or Sustain the Legacy, every gift helps cultivate compassionate leadership and strengthens the future of Jewish early childhood education.
Thank you for honoring Cathy by investing in the future.
Cathy M. Rolland, RJE, recently retired as Vice President of North American Congregational Services and Community Vibrancy at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), following nearly two decades of leadership supporting congregations and their leaders across North America. Throughout her career, Cathy has been a passionate advocate for Jewish early childhood education and its essential role in fostering belonging, strengthening families, and building vibrant Jewish communities.
Cathy is the founding president of the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ) and has remained deeply connected to the field throughout her career. She holds a master’s degree in religious education from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and a certificate in Jewish Early Childhood Leadership from Gratz College.
Based in Denver, Cathy recently served as chair of the Efshar Project, an initiative expanding access to Jewish early childhood education and strengthening Jewish identity across Colorado. In retirement, she looks forward to remaining connected to the people, communities, and work she loves while also pursuing new interests—including Pilates teacher training.
Susan Zukrow Mackevich, z”l, brought creativity, strategic thinking, and heart to everything she touched. After 15 years as Marketing Director for the Chicago Tribune, Susan, inspired in part by her daughters’ love of OSRUI, brought her talents to URJ, strengthening early childhood as a gateway to lifelong Jewish engagement. She led CEELI, the Chicago Early Engagement Leadership Initiative, and supported congregations through the Excellence in Early Childhood Community of Practice, leaving an enduring legacy.
Choose Your Investment
Every gift to the Seeds of Compassion Fund helps cultivate compassionate leadership and carries Cathy's legacy forward. Thank you for investing in the future of Jewish early childhood education.
