Areas of Expertise

Campaigns, Grant Writing, Feasibility Studies & Major Gifts

Laura Cohen Apelbaum |  Consultant

Experience

Laura is a nonprofit professional with a range of experience, including fundraising, strategic visioning, program and outreach, and management. She has consulted with a variety of arts & culture organizations including local theaters as well as several museums and a large religious organization. The former Executive Director of the Jewish Historical Society, she served for more than twenty years transforming every aspect of its operations and programs.

Education & Certification

Laura holds a BA in American History from Duke University, a JD from George Washington University Law School, and a LLM in Taxation from Georgetown University.

Clients

Congregation Beth El, A Farm Less Ordinary, Unexpected Stage, Montgomery History, and National Theatre

Community Service

Laura has served on the boards of cultural organizations and a university alumni association. She received GW’s Alumni Achievement award for initiating the Young Law Alumni Professionals program. She also chaired GW’s Alumni Trustee Selection committee for several years. As Chair of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick Museum’s membership committee she developed programs that doubled membership.

Laura has also chaired the Council of American Jewish Museums steering committee— a national and internationally involved organization supporting museum professionals working in Jewish cultural nonprofits.

Get to know me

Laura grew up and lives in Montgomery County. She has a keen interest in our area’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage. Laura has edited several books on local Jewish history. Laura is proud of the role she played in initiating the saving of the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue and in preserving Adas Israel’s 1876 synagogue building.

Favorite Quote

“The best things in life aren’t things.”-  Art Buchwald