Brandeis Alumni, Family and Friends
Brandeis Welcomes Business Executive and Philanthropic Strategist to Board of Trustees
April 24, 2024
One has led some of the country’s biggest consumer brands, while the other has dedicated three decades to volunteerism.
The Brandeis University Board of Trustees has elected two new members: David Yale ’76, an executive-level business leader, and Karen Richards Sachs ’83, a philanthropic management strategist.
“I am delighted to welcome Karen and David to the Brandeis Board of Trustees,” said President Ron Liebowitz. “Both of these individuals are Brandeisians who are passionate about their alma mater, dedicated to higher education, and are committed to Brandeis' unique place within the academy. I know that both Karen and David will be valuable partners as the university moves forward in setting the groundwork for a successful future.”
Sachs brings more than 30 years of volunteer experience to the board. Over the last three decades, she has also held seats on the boards of multiple Jewish organizations and Planned Parenthood of Tarrant County. Additionally, she has served as a trustee at the Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles.
Before pursuing volunteerism full time in 1993, Sachs directed special projects at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, served as vice president of public affairs for media mogul Ted Field’s philanthropic endeavors, and was an award winning TV news anchor, producer, and reporter.
She has supported Brandeis in the past. In 2015, she established the Dorothy Richards Endowed Scholarship in honor of her mother, a Brandeis National Committee leader in Los Angeles.
Yale recently retired following a 12-year tenure as president and chief operating officer of Just Born, Inc., the candy manufacturer behind iconic brands like Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, Peeps, and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.
Prior to his time at Just Born, Yale held executive leadership roles at other leading food and drink companies, including Manischewitz, the leading kosher food manufacturer, Kraft Foods/Nabisco, and Nestlé.
He has also lent his business expertise and experience to the nonprofit world, most notably as a board member with the Lisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of brain aneurysms and creating better outcomes for patients.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Brandeis Board of Trustees at this critical juncture in the university’s history,” he said. “I have very fond memories of my time at Brandeis, and my sense of purpose and connection with the university has been renewed following the horrific events of October 7th in Israel. Now, it feels like coming home and the timing couldn’t be better.”
Lisa R. Kranc '75, chair of the board, added that both Sachs and Yale will be integral parts of “building Brandeis’ vision for the future.”
“Their experiences, their leadership, and their dedication to our university are invaluable, and we are fortunate that they have committed their time, energy, resources, and expertise to our community,” she said.
The Board of Trustees has also re-elected Bing Le Wu, PhD '91 and Madalyn Friedberg for four year terms through Commencement 2028; Merle Carrus, P '12, as President of the Brandeis National Committee for a one-year term; and Barbara Sander as Trustee for a one-year term. During the same April meeting, the Board recognized and thanked Linda Heller Kamm '61 and Xiru Zhang, MA '90, PhD '91, P '22 for their service on the Board.
