Our Leadership
Executive Director
Eve Lefkowitz
Eve’s vision has shaped Conversations to Remember into the organization that it is today. She has personally worked with hundreds of caregivers, gerontologists, educators, and seniors to learn what is effective in building intergenerational relationships with seniors, and, more importantly, what is ineffective. Eve trains all of the volunteers for the virtual visits, and oversees the screening process that evaluates volunteers to confirm that they will be able to effectively form relationships with seniors in a virtual environment.
Eve’s background includes leadership roles in other nonprofit organizations, as well as successfully building her own small business. She also was a practicing lawyer for over ten years. Eve was touched by the issues that Conversations to Remember seeks to address when her mother-in-law suffered from dementia during the years preceding the pandemic and during its initial months.
Eve received a BA in psychology from Brandeis University, and a JD
degree from Cardozo School of Law. Eve’s family founded Conversations to
Remember.
Board of Directors
Robert Lefkowitz
President
Robert is a founder of Conversations to Remember. He has an extensive background in technology, and is passionate about online security and privacy. Robert has spent the majority of his career working as a project manager, specializing in efficient, scalable process design. Robert has served on other nonprofit boards, including the Montville Township Public Library, where he was the vice president, and led the technology committee. He has also sat on other technology committees, providing his unique insight.
Robert received his BSE in computer engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and his MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business
Bob Minster
Secretary
Bob is the past CEO of International Fidelity Insurance Company (IFIC). IFIC was the largest independent, privately owned surety writer in the insurance industry, until its 2018 sale to a larger multiline carrier. Bob is a strategic, collaborative-minded leader with proven track record of revitalizing a national, nine-figure revenue, insurance carrier into a profitable industry leader. Adept at forging strong, supportive corporate cultures, he is recognized for building a high performing C-Suite and boards that lead to a high-valuation sale. Bob is an experienced director. He led a board and business structure reorganization, which contributed to a winning governance structure. He chaired a creditor committee that contributed to the turnaround of a distressed, privately owned regional business.
Bob is a graduate of Drexel University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He also holds, in good standing, the NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Directorship Certification (NACD.DC).
Joe Napoli
Treasurer
Joe is a seasoned executive leader known for successfully managing complex organizations and achieving unparalleled success. Joe’s career includes impactful roles such as City Manager for the City of Cooper City, where he implemented a historic strategic plan to boost economic development and enhance city services. As Deputy City Manager for the City of Miami, he spearheaded transformative initiatives addressing climate change, sea-level rise, and achieved substantial budget reductions through process improvements. In his position as Chief of Staff at Miami International Airport, Joe secured worldwide partnerships, resulting in significant growth in passenger volume, economic impact, and cargo business.
Additionally, Joe contributed to public service and the U.S.
Military, holding vital roles at the U.S. Southern Command, Multinational Force – Iraq, and the US Embassy in Argentina. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military at West Point and holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
Dan Nestle
Director
Dan is an award-winning strategic communications executive and communications technology leader, podcaster, and author. Named to the PRWeek Magazine Dashboard25 in 2023 and 2024, he is recognized among his peers as one of the top 25 “movers and shakers” in communications technology. Through his two decades of corporate and agency experience, Dan has proven expertise in corporate and brand communications, communications technology (CommsTech), Generative AI, integrated marketing communications, content marketing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling. Born and raised in New Jersey, Dan spent 16 years in Japan and speaks Japanese.
Ilana Julie Lefkowitz
Director
Ilana is a graphic designer and web developer, as well as one of the founders of Conversations to Remember. She is deeply committed to realizing this mission through innovative programming and impactful initiatives.
Ilana has held leadership positions in Hillel and BBYO, and is passionate about serving others.
Dr. Lynn Schaefer
Director
Dr. Schaefer is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with expertise in the differential diagnosis of dementia, healthy brain aging, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and forensic neuropsychology. She has also had training and experience in empirically supported treatment approaches, such as CBT and cognitive remediation. Dr. Schaefer is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, co-authored two books, and has presented her research at professional meetings across the country in addition to lecturing to local community groups. She is active in and has held numerous leadership roles in state and national professional organizations for neuropsychology. Her current position is as Director of Neuropsychology within the Department of Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center, on Long Island.
Dr. Schaefer completed her undergraduate degree at Binghamton University, before earning her Ph.D. from the Neuropsychology subprogram at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
Rhonda Holmes
Director
Rhonda is a dedicated leader with over two decades of experience mentoring more than 700 youth across 14 school districts, impacting nearly 100 high schools. She revitalized the Houston Police Youth Police Advisory Council, growing membership by 35% and achieving an impressive 50% return rate. Rhonda has contributed to the national Police-Youth Dialogues Toolkit, and her work building youth programs is recognized throughout the U.S. Her partnership with State Farm Company led to the development of HPD’s Teen Driver Safety Program, designed to educate and empower young drivers. Rhonda’s commitment to community extends to intergenerational initiatives, where she has served over 1,000 senior citizens through events that bridge connections between youth and seniors. These efforts include large celebrations for seniors and collaborations with various organizations to support vulnerable populations. Additionally, she developed training programs for new hires at the Houston Police Department and serves as a professional development trainer. Her impactful work has been recognized with numerous awards.
Rhonda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Marketing.
