Lisa Messinger is an executive coach, nonprofit consultant, and longtime Jewish communal leader. She is the Immediate Past Chair of Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation, where she has helped guide the organization’s growth and development.
Through Lisa Messinger Coaching, Lisa works with rabbis, nonprofit executives, and lay leaders navigating leadership, organizational change, and career transitions. Her approach draws on 30 years of experience in Jewish and nonprofit organizations and a belief in practical, thoughtful leadership grounded in clarity, self-awareness, and strong relationships.
Lisa’s Jewish communal leadership has included serving as President of Westchester Reform Temple and leadership roles with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and the Union for Reform Judaism. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Central Synagogue.
Much of Lisa’s connection to rabbinic leadership was shaped through her partnership with her husband, Rabbi Aaron Panken, former President of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. Together, they shared a deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life, developing leaders, and supporting the institutions that sustain the Jewish community.
Lisa is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Columbia University Coaching Certification Program, a Wexner Heritage Fellow, and certified in the Neethling Brain Instruments (NBI).