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Executive DirectorLisa Kranseler (she/her)
Phone: 206-774-2277
Email: lisak@wsjhs.orgLisa believes that we make history every single day. And, she has produced programs and exhibits that celebrate that history. Lisa loves all the amazing connections and unique history of the Jewish communities in Washington State. With degrees in Accounting from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Masters of Science in Taxation from the Bentley Graduate School of Business, and a Museum Studies Certificate from the University of Washington, Lisa brings a mixture of business acumen and museum science to this position. Lisa is also a CPA and holds her license for over 35 years.
Lisa is committed to building partnerships and developing public awareness for the Washington State Jewish Historical Society. She has served on the board of the Association of King County Historical Organizations for over six years, received the Gus Norwood Volunteer Scholarship from the Washington Museum Association, won a fellowship from the Council of American Jewish Museum Association, and was awarded a grant by the American Association of State and Local History for Project Management at the Washington State History Museum. Lisa has taught in the Museum Studies Certificate Program at the University of Washington and currently serves on the Museum Studies Advisory Board.
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Operations ManagerHannah Peters (she/her)
Phone: 206-558-3866
Email: hannahp@wsjhs.orgHannah has a background in social work and earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. She has spent the past five years working at nonprofits in the greater Seattle area in direct-service, programmatic design, and leadership capacities. Her previous work has helped her develop a deep understanding of the core functions that keep a nonprofit operating from day-to-day. As a Jewish Washingtonian herself, Hannah brings with her an abundance of empathy, consideration, and passion for the life and well-being of Jews in Washington State.
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Oral HistorianRuth Kodish-Eskind (she/her)
Phone: 360-522-7041
Email: ruthke@wsjhs.orgRuth transitioned into public history after a diverse career in music, community arts, and carpentry. She studied History and Native Studies at The Evergreen State College. For the past two years, Ruth has worked with the Jefferson County Historical Society, gaining experience in historical research, oral history collection, and public programming. A lifelong learner, Ruth brings an abundance of curiosity and enthusiasm to her work at WSJHS. She believes that public history is essential, grounding us together in time and place and increasing our capacity for empathy and understanding.
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Digital Curator and Program CoordinatorSha'Niya Black (she/her)
Phone: 206-774-2277
Email: shaniyab@wsjhs.orgSha'Niya is a research and administrative specialist with a passion for civil rights and social justice. She earned her Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from the University of Washington in 2021. After graduation, she gained experience in government administration while working for the Washington State Senate, where she focused on representing historically oppressed communities. Sha'Niya's deep interest in history, particularly modern and contemporary history, led her to join our team in 2023 as a research intern for the Confronting Hate Together exhibit. She contributes to our work and mission with deep understanding, extensive knowledge, humility, respect for diverse perspectives, and strong research and administrative skills.
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Development CoordinatorSara Mottaz (she/her)
Phone: 206-774-2277
Email: saram@wsjhs.orgAfter taking a short sabbatical, Sara returns to WSJHS ready to go and excited to preserve Jewish history! Originally from the Midwest, Sara enjoys engaging with and learning from Washington’s Jewish community. Sara supports WSJHS with grant writing, planning events, and communications.
