Karen and Jeff Silberman Are Mainstays of Nonprofit World

GIVING: Couple Supports Educational, Arts and Cultural Institutions

Karen and Jeff Silberman, this year's Philanthropists of the Year, have extensive backgrounds in nonprofit work.

Karen Silberman serves on the boards of Words Alive, La Jolla Playhouse, Rady School of Management Dean's Advisory Council, UC San Diego Health board of advisors, San Diego Symphony and Jewish Women’s Foundation. Previously, she served on the boards of Congregation Beth Israel, NCRC, San Diego Center for Children, United Jewish Federation Women's Division and Hillel of San Diego. She also served on the Vista Hill Council on Mental Health and Jewish Family Service Behavioral Health Committee. She received the Jewish Family Service of San Diego's Mitzvah Award.

Jeff Silberman served as chair of the board of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego and chair of the board of Francis Parker School, where he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. He is past president of Congregation Beth Israel and recipient of the Carl M. Esenoff Memorial Award for Extraordinary Community Service. He currently serves on the board and is past chair of the University of California San Diego Foundation. He also serves on the boards of Seacrest Holdings Corp. and the National Conflict Resolution Center.

Together they were awarded the Chancellor's Medal from the University of California, San Diego.

Jeff Silberman is president and CEO of Carleton Management, Inc., their family's real estate investment, management and development business. Karen Silberman serves on the organization's board.

Karen Silberman was previously involved in theater management and production, management information services, employee training and medical practice management. She attended Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.

Jeff Silberman was previously affiliated as a business lawyer and managing partner with Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith. He graduated from University of California, Berkeley and earned his law degree from UCLA.

Both born and raised in San Diego, the Silbermans have four children and a grandchild. ■