Louri Sullivan & David Gillinsky to Receive Spirit of Federation Award

 

Nested within the pages of the 1978 ad book for the 16th Annual Chaim Weizmann A.Z.A. No. 1510 Sweetheart Dance is an article titled “A Freshman Entering Weizmann Is Looking Towards an Exciting Future.” It was written by fifteen-year-old David Gilinsky.

In it, he writes, “As a freshman, I am surprised to find out that Weizmann has helped me to find myself in many new and different ways. In the short time I have been a member, I’ve taken on new responsibilities, which always help in doing some growing up… I have a lot more to learn and much more to experience… I’m looking forward to each new year in Weizmann, and yet, I know when I am a senior and am leaving the chapter, I’ll want to go back to right now. So, I am encouraging all of you in AZA No. 1510 to put everything into Weizmann that you can. In the long run, you’ll get everything out of it you put into it, and much more.”

A few pages later, there is a photo of Louri Sullivan, the then-seventeen-year-old Sweetheart candidate. Next to her bio is a quote that reads, “Laugh more and try to leave the people you meet happier than before they saw you.”

Both snippets, simple in nature, were early glimpses into the people David and Louri would become: two individuals who care deeply and work tirelessly to make our community stronger.

For over 40 years, Louri Sullivan and David Gillinsky have made a positive impact on our community. In gratitude for their years of involvement, the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) is proud to honor them as the recipients of the Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award. This award is given annually to honor one man and one woman who have demonstrated personal commitment, dedication, and leadership to the JFO and/or its agencies.

“Louri and I are lifelong friends, and I couldn’t be happier to be honored alongside her,” David said. “But if my community work is like a V-6, Louri is a twin-turbo V-8. She is a perennial, passionate volunteer who has made important contributions across our community. No one worries about meeting objectives if Louri is involved. It’s going to happen.”

“I am so thankful to be this year’s recipient of the Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award, especially with David,” Louri said. “My first true involvement in the Jewish community was through BBYO. I was the sweetheart for Chaim Weizmann, which was the chapter David, my brother Bruce, and Tim Schrager were all members of. I also have great respect for Phil (of blessed memory) and Terri Schrager. It makes receiving this award even more meaningful,” she said.

David and Louri’s paths to leadership took them in different directions after their time in BBYO, but both eventually returned to Omaha.

After graduating from Westside High School, Louri attended the University of Texas at Austin as a business and marketing major. After working in Dallas real estate for many years, Louri returned to Omaha and joined the nonprofit world. Louri serves on the Board of Directors and Scholarship Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. In 1998, she received the Women & Youth Award from the organization. She assisted Children’s Hospital as a NICU volunteer, gala chair, and board member. She served on the Foundation Board for Westside High School and acted as chairperson for events benefiting Swanson Elementary and District 66. She also served on the Women’s Ball Committee and participated in Leadership Omaha. In 2005, Louri received the Lois Jeanne Schrager Young Leadership Award from the JFO.

Louri’s involvement within the Jewish community is multifaceted. She worked for the JFO as Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects from 2015 to 2021. She has served as a JFO Foundation board member since 2023. She is a member of the JFO’s 132nd Street Task Force, served on Temple Israel’s Board of Trustees, and currently serves on the Feldman Family Foundation. Louri is a Lion of Judah and has participated on and planned JFO mission trips, including Momentum and a Women’s Mission Trip to Europe.

“I feel honored to have worked at and volunteered for the JFO and its agencies over the last 20-plus years,” she said. “It’s given me so many ways to play a part.”

Louri has four children: Rachel, Josh, Samantha, and Tommy. Together with her parents, Tom and Darlynn Fellman; her partner, Rod Kestel; and her children, Louri will serve as a co-chair for the JFO’s 2027 Annual Campaign.

“I’m proud to serve as co-chair alongside my parents, Rod, and my children. My kids really wanted to do it, which tells me the future of our Jewish community is in good hands,” she said.

David also plans to assist Louri as a member of the campaign team.

“I’m happy to be helping her,” David said. “Louri doesn’t take a back seat when she commits to something. She’s a driving force who inspires others to harness their efforts alongside hers. I have to give a shout-out to Tom and Darlynn, who have clearly inspired Louri. They also inspire me to do this work,” he said.

Louri has made countless contributions to the Jewish community, many holding a special place in her heart.

“Helping to bring the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center to reality 25 years ago and bringing the Momentum Trip program to Omaha while working at the JFO are two things that still make me smile because I see the impact they have on our community,” Louri said. “And there are still big things on the horizon,” she added. “I’m not done yet.”

David’s not done either.

After attending the University of Pennsylvania, David and his wife, Katherine Finnegan, returned to Omaha in 1990. He then became owner of Bergman Incentives. David and Katherine have three children: Molly, Laura, and Jack. They are also proud grandparents to two granddaughters and one grandson.

“The BBYO/AZA experience of my youth created lifelong bonds. It ingrained in me a sense of community that ultimately brought Katherine and I back to Omaha 36 years ago,” David said. “Being surrounded by my immediate family and a close-knit Jewish community made our return a no-brainer. Once we were here, we knew we wanted to make a difference. For me, I think the Chamber’s Leadership Omaha program, headed by Ann Goldstein, of blessed memory, taught me a lot about giving back to our community. Ann was the one who really helped me get started on a leadership path.”

David immersed himself in volunteer work, serving as board member and President for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)/Community Relations Council (CRC) for the Great Plains Region. He also served as a board member for the JFO and Temple Israel, an advisory board member for the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), a member of the JFO Governance Committee, and a member of the JFO Budget, Financial Review, & Audit Committee. He participated on the 2005 and 2008 JFO community mission trips, as well as the JFO Men’s Mission Trip to Ukraine in 2012. Outside of the Jewish community, David has served as a board member and chair for Community Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) and the National MS Society of Nebraska.

In 2000, David received the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award from the JFO. In 2021, David received the Spirit of Justice Award from the ADL, an honor recognizing outstanding volunteers who advocate for justice and equality.

When asked about the significance of receiving the Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award, David reflected on his past community involvement and how it has added an additional layer of meaning.

“The Spirit of Federation Award means something different to me because I was serving on the Schrager Supporting Foundation Board when Phil Schrager, of blessed memory, advocated for funding this new award,” he said. “The Schragers and Fellmans had underwritten the Young Leadership Awards for years. Phil felt our community needed an award for, and I’ll use this term generously, ‘middle-aged’ community members who continue to lead and make a positive difference in the Jewish community.”

Louri cites David’s vision and persistence as some of his key strengths.

“David is so deserving of the Spirit of Federation Award,” Louri said. “Honestly, I can’t believe he hasn’t received it sooner. David is a leader and a doer. He’s always educating himself and others.”

Out of all his accomplishments, David is particularly proud of working to sustain Jewish Omaha’s stability.

“I feel like everything I’ve been a part of has been important and impactful,” he said. “But I think I’m most proud of my work on the JFO Foundation Board because we are helping ensure the long-term stability of our Jewish community. We’re also helping donors’ lifetime visions become reality through their legacy gifts.”

A lot has changed since 1978, but Louri and David’s commitment to our community remains the same. The fundamental drive to make a difference is still there. David continues to put everything he has into each project, and Louri continues to make a positive impact, not only leaving people happier but also more supported. It is work done not for personal benefit, but to carry forward the legacy of our community.

“We grew up here. It is up to us to continue what the leaders before us built,” Louri said.

And continue they will.

Louri and David will receive the Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award at the 2027 Annual Campaign Community Kickoff Event, held on Monday, October 12, at the Omaha Performing Arts Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement. In addition to the award presentation, the event will feature Tessa Veksler as the keynote speaker. Veksler is a Jewish advocate who has become a voice for Jewish pride and the fight against antisemitism. The community is invited to attend. Tickets can be purchased at jewishomaha.org or by calling (402) 334-6430.