With Rachel Haug Gilbert Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer

Dr. Corinne Wright graduated from Wright State University with her Ph.D. in human factors and industrial organizational psychology on Dec. 13. Her dissertation, Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Need for Better System Representations in Higher Education, examined how universities can use web page design to improve information sharing. In August, Corinne was named CEO of ShadowBox and deputy senior scientist and managing director of MacroCognition. Both are research and consulting firms founded by Helen and Gary Klein, researchers in the field of cognitive psychology.

Dr. David Novick was selected to serve with the inaugural class of Fellows in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases for his significant contributions to the science and practice of hepatobiliary diseases. David practices with Digestive Specialists in Kettering and Springboro.

Marilyn and Larry Klaben were named 2014 Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Dayton Region Chapter. The award was presented by David R. Hopkins, president of Wright State University, at the 25th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards and Luncheon, held in November. The Klabens were recognized for their dedication to the arts and innovation in Dayton, supporting organizations through their business, Morris Home Furnishings, and individually through their active roles on several local boards.

Ohio Jewish Communities, which represents the legislative agendas of Ohio’s eight Jewish Federations — both in Columbus and in Washington, D.C. — has announced that its longtime Executive Director Joyce Garver Keller will retire on June 30. Joyce will be succeeded by Howie Biegelman, who joins OJC on Jan. 1 as assistant executive director. OJC was founded in 1980 and Joyce has served as its executive director since 1990. Howie is the former director of state affairs for the Orthodox Union. OJC is planning a retirement celebration for Joyce this summer.

Taft, Stettinius & Hollister has hired Mark Feuer as a partner in the firm’s tax, private client and business and finance practice groups.

In November, Cantor Jerome Kopmar, cantor emeritus of Beth Abraham Synagogue, relocated his vocal studio to Beth Abraham after many years of teaching at St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Dayton.

Miami Valley School senior Sarah Gaglione directed the high school’s production of A Mad Breakfast, which was performed on Dec. 12 and 13. Sarah selected the play and cast the roles. She has helped with stage management and lighting for MVS productions since she was in sixth grade. Sarah’s parents are Dr. Elaine and John Gaglione; her grandparents are Joan and Dr. Charlie Knoll.

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To read the complete January 2015 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.