Dale Marcus of Denver, Colorado, has served as a Hadassah national vice president since January 1. In that brief time, her leadership has carried a lot of weight. During the unfolding crisis between Israel and Iran, Marcus learned she would automatically become a member of Hadassah’s Crisis Management Team, tasked with making any necessary decisions affecting Hadassah, in the US and in Israel.
“To be part of the discussion with our team in Israel during the attacks from Iran was very moving and very empowering,” said Marcus.
Throughout her more than 30-year involvement with Hadassah, through some 25 positions, Marcus has certainly felt empowered — and proud — before. Like when she, along with then-Development Training Co-Chair Ann Eisenberg, produced a training manual for the Development Department that was well received by leaders across the country. And when, as Planned Giving & Estates chair, she increased membership in the Legacy Society and stewarded current members with phone calls and cards. And when she educated regions on the ins and outs of estates and annuities and hosted workshops on ethical wills.
Marcus began her Hadassah journey in 1990 when arriving in Wichita, Kansas, from Canada. “As a lifelong Zionist, Hadassah was a great fit for me.”
She hit the ground running. That same year, Marcus was asked to fill the position of membership VP, which led to (to name just a few) women’s health chair, for which she won Hadassah’s National Women’s Health Award for her Healthy Women Healthy Lives program, and education chair, for which she was honored for two consecutive years with the Hannah Goldberg Award for her innovative study groups — both honors being sources of pride for her. Marcus also recently wrapped up her role as 2025 National Conference chair. Along the way, she said that Hadassah “was where I met women with similar values who became lifelong friends.”
With the majority of her tenure as vice president still ahead, Marcus is focused on collaboration.
“I hope to increase communication between the National Board and local leadership throughout the country and to streamline our departments to make them more efficient and approachable.”
While working toward her goal, and a successful term overall, she’ll heed the advice from former national vice presidents to take her time, listen and digest.
The Fun Facts
Gefilte fish: Yes or No?
Yes, only if it is homemade
Favorite Jewish holiday treat?
Matzah brei
Favorite Jewish author?
Joseph Telushkin
If you could have dinner with any historical Jewish woman, who would it be?
Hedy Lamarr
Hadassah vice presidents play a critical role in setting organizational priorities, raising funds and serving as representatives for Hadassah at the national level. There are six vice presidents on the Hadassah National Board at any one time, and each brings her own unique experience and skill set to the position. In this series, we invite you to get to know these Hadassah vice presidents.
