JEWISHcolorado today announced that lay leader and board vice chair Neil Oberfeld will be the next chair of the Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2026. He succeeds outgoing Chair Ben Lusher, who served in the role for three years.
During his tenure, Lusher provided exceptional leadership, guiding JEWISHcolorado through a period of growth and innovation while helping the community come together in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel and rising antisemitism across the U.S.
“Serving as Board Chair of JEWISHcolorado has been a great privilege,” said Lusher. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful to the dedicated lay leaders, professional staff, and community partners who make this work possible. I look forward to supporting Neil and the Board as JEWISHcolorado continues its vital work.” In addition to his work with JEWISHcolorado, Lusher serves as CEO of Nexus Energy Partners, leading the strategic vision and operational execution of the company, ensuring its continued success in the highly competitive energy sector.
Lusher also is the immediate past National Chair of Moishe House. He is a former chair of the Colorado Jewish Community Relations Council and previously served as an Advisory Board member at HCA Rose Hospital. He currently serves on the board of Graland Country Day School. Lusher is an alumnus of the Anti-Defamation League’s Robert B. Sturm Mountain States Leadership Fellows Program and the Wexner Heritage Fellows Program.
His successor Oberfeld brings extensive experience in real estate, investment, and business leadership. A nationally recognized attorney known for his collaborative leadership and deep community engagement, Oberfeld most recently served as JEWISHcolorado’s Chair-Elect and Campaign Chair for two years.
“Neil is an accomplished leader and a passionate supporter of the Jewish community,” said Renée Rockford, JEWISHcolorado President & CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome him as Board Chair and confident that his expertise, vision, and commitment will help guide JEWISHcolorado into its next chapter.”
Oberfeld is a shareholder at the firm of Greenberg Traurig, where he assists local and national clients with real estate, investment and general business matters. He focuses his practice on acquisition, development, leasing, joint venture, private equity, private wealth and other investment and finance transactions and planning.
Oberfeld served as Board Chair of Mile High United Way for the past two years. Oberfeld’s community service also includes: Former Chair and current Board member, Shalom Park, Board of Trustees; Former Chair and Commissioner, Governor’s Commission on Community Service; Former Trustee and Committee Chair, Rose Community Foundation, and Former Chair and current Board member, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Mountain States.
“I am honored to serve as Board Chair of JEWISHcolorado,” said Oberfeld. “This organization plays a vital role in strengthening Jewish life in Colorado and beyond. I look forward to working alongside our Board, leadership, and community partners to build on the strong foundation established under Ben Lusher’s leadership.”