JCPA Welcomes New Team Members to Expand Work Combating Antisemitism & Extremism and Strengthening Democracy

NEW YORK – The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is proud to announce the addition of four new team members during a time of critical growth for the organization. 

The new members of the JCPA team will help the organization to expand and elevate its work advocating for policies to combat antisemitism, broader hate, and extremism, supporting the national network of Jewish Community Relations Councils and broader community relations field, and strengthening cross-community partnerships and coalitions to counter hate and uphold democracy and civil rights. 

Joining JCPA are:

• Emily Graham, as Chief of Staff
• Benjamin Suarato, as Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs
• Shauna Leavey, as Strategic Community Relations Manager
• Jaylan Miller, as Communications Associate

“We’re thrilled to welcome this incredible group of team members as JCPA builds out our work to counter antisemitism and extremism and protect democracy at such a critical moment for our community and our country,” said JCPA’s CEO Amy Spitalnick. “Emily, Ben, Shauna, and Jaylan all bring an impressive and diverse set of experiences and talents that will significantly enhance our impact – from advocacy and public affairs, to providing even more direct support to the JCRCs and community relations field, to expanding our critical coalitional work with partners across the country.”

Emily Graham, Chief of Staff: Emily joins JCPA with nearly 15 years of experience in political campaigns and nonprofit communications. Most recently, she served as Political, Finance, and Digital Director for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) 2024 Senate campaign, as well as her 2020 U.S. presidential campaign. Prior to that, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service, where she specialized in public/private partnerships and social enterprise.

Benjamin Suarato, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs: Prior to rejoining JCPA as the Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Benjamin was the Spokesperson and Press Director at the U.S. Agency for International Development. He also brings almost a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, first with Rep. Michael McNulty (D-NY) and then for eight years as the Communications Director for Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). In addition to experience in government, Benjamin also has years of organizing and advocacy experience through his time leading communications at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), Dream.Org, and his work with the JCPA from 2010-2014. 

Shauna Leavey, Strategic Community Relations Manager: With over two decades of experience in Jewish communal leadership, Shauna previously held the position of Director of Community Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Howard County, Maryland, where she managed the Jewish Community Relations Council and led strategic engagement programs. Her professional background includes roles in synagogue education and program management. Shauna specializes in community building, program development, and staff mentorship within Jewish organizations. 

Jaylan Miller, Communications Associate: Jaylan previously served as Communications Specialist for the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Prior to that, she worked as a freelance writer, contributing articles to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and various local magazines. Earlier in her career, Jaylan was Managing Editor at the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, Indiana, where she led daily newspaper production, mentored staff, and fostered community relationships.