Regional Executive Board 2020-2021

President- David Smith
Executive Vice President- Ellior Rose
Israel Affairs Vice President- Taubie Sanders
Religion/ Education Vice President- Seth Kristal
Social Action/ Tikun Olam Vice President- Eve Miller
Membership/Kadima Vice President - Gabriela Kotovsky
​Communications Vice President - Ella Roether

meet the regional executive board

David Smith

Regional president

Hey EMTZA! I am your Pfizer loving prezzy David Smith. This is my 10th year doing USY because in my home chapter of BAUSY in St. Louis, we get to start USY in 3rd grade. I served as the BAUSY SATO for the 2019-2020 school year. I then served as the EMTZA regional SATO for the 2020-2021 school year which was interesting to say the least. I ran for President this year because I want to provide the best year possible for you all as we transition back into USY. I also want to make sure EMTZA is a super inclusive and that our chapters are successful. My favorite part about USY is getting to see all of my out of town friends that I do not get to see super often. When I am not at USY, I am playing tennis, or working on fundraising for my school’s Dance Marathon. I am so excited work with you all this year!!

Ellior Rose

regional executive vice president

My name is Ellior Rose and I am your Regional Executive Vice President! I am currently senior at Whitfield School in St. Louis, MO. Last year I was the Regional Religion/Education Vice President and I am so excited to be in a leadership position again this year! When I’m not involved in USY I love playing tennis and other sports, drinking smoothies, and hanging out with friends. I am so excited for a great year with you Emtza an can’t wait to see you all in person!

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Taubie Sanders

regional israel affairs vice president

Hi EMTZA! My name is Taubie Sanders, I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I am this year's Israel Affairs Vice President. I am a Senior at Hopkins High School. Outside of USY, I am the captain of my school's swim team as well as a member of a year-round club team. This year, I am very excited to hopefully be back in person for conventions so we can continue our amazing programming and get to know all of the new EMTZAniks better. My goal for this year is to help every EMTZAnik find their own individual connection with Israel, no matter what they believe. I have been involved in USY since freshman year and I am ready to make this year of USY programming the best year yet!

Seth Kristal

regional religion education vice president

Hi Emtza! My name is Seth Kristal, and I am this years regional Religion and Education Vice President. I am currently a senior at Hopkins High School. I play ultimate frisbee and I am a Nordic skier. I have been involved in USY since 8th grade, and I’m so excited to be able to give back to the region in this way. I decided to run for Rel/Ed because I enjoy the religion aspect of Judaism, and I’ve always wanted to study it more. I hope to create connections with as many Emtzaniks as possible, and that we can finally see each other in person again. Can’t wait for the year!

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Eve Miller

regional social action tikun olam vice president

Hi! I’m Eve and I m EMTZA Regions SA/TO VP. I ran for REB because SA/TO is my thing. I think that SA/TO is an incredibly important and meaningful position. I love that my job is to inspire USYers to make their mark on the world whether it’s keeping them aware on prevalent issues in our society or teaching the importance of tzedakah and giving back. My favorite part of USY without a doubt is the family. It truly is such an amazing community, and I felt welcomed into it the second I got here. When I’m not doing USY, I am either on a tennis court or somewhere playing and singing music. I’m a music volunteer at a few local nursing homes and being able to connect with senior citizens is truly such a privilege. SA/TO is so important, and doing what we do is one step we can all take to make the world a better and kinder place.

Gabi Kotovsky

regional membership kadima vice president

Hi I’m Gabi, I am so excited to be the EMTZA Region Membership/Kadima Vice President for the 2021-22 year. I ran for REB because I wanted to push myself to be more involved in the community and get to know more people. This is why memkad was the perfect position for me. It involves all my favorite aspects of talking to people and still being involved in Judaism. My favorite part of USY is seeing my friends at conventions and building new bonds with people from different states. When I’m not doing USY, you can find me at the ice rink figure skating, leading programs at school, or just hanging out with my friends. I’m so excited for this year and to meet all of you!

Ella Roether

regional communications vice president

Hi Emtza! I’m Ella Roether, this year's communications vice president. I am passionate about most of the positions on the executive board. After going back and forth for a couple of weeks, I realized that I wasn't just passionate about a specific board position, but I am passionate about Emtza. It became clear to me how big of a role Emtza has played in my life when we started quarantine in the spring of 2020. I realized how important it was that I had such a strong and supportive community to guide me and help me through my high school career. I knew I wanted to give back to the Emtza community and show other people just how incredible it is to be in USY. Because of this, I decided to run for comm. 
When I am not doing USY, I’m usually playing golf, baking or spending time with my friends and family! I am so excited for this year and I know that as in person conventions start to kick into gear the year will only get better!

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