Q&A with Mike Fine
It’s telling that when approaching Mike Fine, President of the JFCS Board of Directors, for an interview, his response was, “Anything for JFCS.” Mike’s dedication to our organization is palpable when speaking with him and over the years he has become one of JFCS’s most enthusiastic ambassadors. Let’s learn a little more about Mike!
Q: Tell us about your journey to Louisville.
A: I grew up in Miami, Florida, went to college in St. Louis and attended law school in Philadelphia. After spending over a decade practicing law and bouncing between Chicago and Washington, D.C., our family settled down in Louisville in 2015. We moved here for my wife’s career opportunity and now she is a tenured professor at the University of Louisville. I joined the law firm of Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP and am now an equity partner. I’m sorry it took us so long to get to here.
Q: How did you get involved with JFCS?
A: In 2017, I was selected as a Leadership Louisville Center Bingham Fellow, alongside former JFCS Executive Director, Judy Freundlich Tiell. (Fun fact: JFCS Board of Directors Vice President, Jim Ensign, was also in that Bingham Fellows Class – best class ever!) After learning about JFCS from Judy, I knew I wanted to connect with this amazing community organization. I started by participating in family mitzvah volunteer projects with my daughters and eventually joined the Board of Directors.
Q: How would you describe yourself in one word?
A: Creative. In my legal practice, I advise nonprofit organizations on complex corporate and tax issues. I’m always looking for solutions through an innovative lens, whether it be at work, home or in my volunteer leadership service at JFCS.
Q: Can you describe your favorite moment at JFCS?
A: As Board President, I was a member of the search committee that hired our current CEO, David L. Finke, Ph.D. One evening, near the end of our interview process, the search committee members and David shared a meal together and discussed our agency’s future. We got to know David on a much deeper level and driving home I knew he was the right choice.
Q: If you could swap jobs with someone at JFCS, who would it be and why?
A: I would be interested in attempting to fill the shoes of our receptionist, Anita Jarboe. It would be fun to welcome people to our agency and play air traffic controller.
Q: What do you want our community to know about JFCS?
A: We’re not just for Jewish people. JFCS is here to help everyone. While JFCS is a place for the Jewish community to live their values, only 25% of our clients are Jewish. We serve all in Greater Louisville, regardless of religious background.
Thanks to Mike for his dedication and service to JFCS!