It is the function of the President to preside, as chairperson, at meetings of the Board of Directors and to call meetings of the general membership. The president is an ex-officio member of all committees without the right to vote, except to break a tie.
CharlieValan
Charlie Valan, President
A Congregation B’nai Tikvah (CBT) member since 2003, his career as a Media Director in advertising for over 25 years followed by a 3 year stint as Director of Purchasing at a supermarket decor company didn’t give him time to participate in many volunteer roles. His motto has always been, ‘Never commit when others are counting on you if you can’t be relied upon’.
In 2018, the decision to retire opened the door for him to join the Board at CBT as a Trustee responsible for House & Grounds followed by serving as Vice President of Administration and now as the 22nd President of CBT.
Charlie is not new to leadership as he served as Chairperson of many advertising committees, was President of his residential homeowners association for 11 years in his community, as well as coaching his daughter’s in Travel Soccer.
He’s very familiar with this geographic area having grown up in nearby East Windsor; a graduate of Hightstown High School where he was an All County and All Area Long Distance Runner (inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013), followed by graduating Rider University where he was a letter winner every season on their Cross Country and Track teams, and continuing with The Shore Athletic Club where he won 4 NJ State Track Championships in the 10,000 Meters between 1986-1995. He was inducted into their club Hall of Fame in 2003.
Charlie quickly put his thumbprint here at CBT in his role as Chair of House & Grounds overseeing the projects of renovating the Beit Midrush, contracting the replacement of the outside sidewalks, as well as the leadership to win CBT a significant grant from U.S. Homeland Security that successful upgraded aspects of our ability to protect our members and the building. This earned him the honor of being name our Federation of Jewish Men’s Club 2019 Man of the Year.
As Co-VP of Administration followed by taking the role on alone, he oversaw the process of hiring a new Synagogue Administrator as well as many other projects for the betterment of CBT.
Charlie has been married to his wife Laurie since 2019 and has two daughters, Daria and Brooke, both of whom were Bat Mitzvah through their CBT Education, as well as Laurie’s young adults, Samantha and David.
