Erin Zagnoev ’94
Written December 2014
Erin Hirsch Zagnoev started at Harding Academy in the fifth grade, when many of her classmates had been together since kindergarten. “I know what it’s like to be the new kid, and I have a special place in my heart for those who are on a new journey,” says Erin, who is the director of membership and development at The Temple–Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville.
One aspect of her job is welcoming families to the congregation and helping them to make an easy transition into the Temple community, into the local Jewish community, and into the broader Nashville community. She says her welcoming approach was definitely informed by her Harding experiences. “It was a safe and supportive place to try new things,” she says of the school.
Erin also coordinates fundraising activities for the Temple, the oldest and largest Jewish house of worship in Nashville, which also runs a religious education school, a preschool open to those of all faiths, and center for social justice. Erin feels good about raising money to help grow and build an important community institution. Often she is working with people on gifts that are meaningful to more than one generation of family members. She says, “I love people, and personal interaction is part of the job. I enjoy having the opportunity to work with people during important times and transitions in their lives.”
Erin received a B.A. in communications from the University of Arizona before earning her M.B.A. in nonprofit management from the University of Judaism, Lieber School of Graduate Studies in Los Angeles. Prior to her return to Nashville in 2010, she served as vice president of donor services and manager of women’s philanthropy for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
She traces her choice to be a development professional back to her parents, who nurtured a strong belief in philanthropy: “My parents taught me that you support the things that are important to you.” Erin notes that her parents were role models for giving of one’s “time, talent, and treasure.” When Erin started at Harding, her mom got involved, and the same was true when Erin went on to Harpeth Hall.
Erin grew up as a member of The Temple congregation, and today she and husband Greg have two daughters—7-month-old Sari and 3-year-old Rena—who attend The Temple’s preschool. Erin is also a member of the Harding Alumni Board. She says, “Harding taught me about being a good citizen and being part of a community. I’m thankful that Nashville has a school like Harding.”
Back
One aspect of her job is welcoming families to the congregation and helping them to make an easy transition into the Temple community, into the local Jewish community, and into the broader Nashville community. She says her welcoming approach was definitely informed by her Harding experiences. “It was a safe and supportive place to try new things,” she says of the school.
Erin also coordinates fundraising activities for the Temple, the oldest and largest Jewish house of worship in Nashville, which also runs a religious education school, a preschool open to those of all faiths, and center for social justice. Erin feels good about raising money to help grow and build an important community institution. Often she is working with people on gifts that are meaningful to more than one generation of family members. She says, “I love people, and personal interaction is part of the job. I enjoy having the opportunity to work with people during important times and transitions in their lives.”
Erin received a B.A. in communications from the University of Arizona before earning her M.B.A. in nonprofit management from the University of Judaism, Lieber School of Graduate Studies in Los Angeles. Prior to her return to Nashville in 2010, she served as vice president of donor services and manager of women’s philanthropy for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
She traces her choice to be a development professional back to her parents, who nurtured a strong belief in philanthropy: “My parents taught me that you support the things that are important to you.” Erin notes that her parents were role models for giving of one’s “time, talent, and treasure.” When Erin started at Harding, her mom got involved, and the same was true when Erin went on to Harpeth Hall.
Erin grew up as a member of The Temple congregation, and today she and husband Greg have two daughters—7-month-old Sari and 3-year-old Rena—who attend The Temple’s preschool. Erin is also a member of the Harding Alumni Board. She says, “Harding taught me about being a good citizen and being part of a community. I’m thankful that Nashville has a school like Harding.”
Inspiring The Mind • Nurturing The Spirit