Board of Directors
The Hillel Academy Board of Directors is comprised of a wide range of community members including parents, grandparents, community members, rabbinic and Tampa Jewish Federation representatives, and alumni. The Board of Directors meets monthly and holds an annual meeting open to the entire community.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the fiscal health of the school, hiring and partnering with the Head of School, and setting policy. It is also responsible for the current and long-term viability and sustainability of the institution by leading the annual campaign, growing an endowment, and embarking upon capital campaigns when needed.
Carolyn Fink
President
Carolyn grew up in Cresskill, NJ, before relocating to Coral Springs, FL, at 16 and later graduating from the University of South Florida. Her career included a prominent role with IBM, where she led the East Coast sales team for a flagship brand. A passionate advocate for Jewish education, Carolyn has been on the Board of Hillel Academy since 2014, serving as Board President since 2020. Two of her sons have graduated from Hillel Academy, and her youngest is currently in 7th grade. Her commitment has earned her recognition as a Woman of Distinction and Mitzvot Volunteer of the Year. Beyond Hillel, Carolyn is deeply involved with Congregation Kol Ami, where she has held leadership roles and currently chairs the Recharge committee.
Bryan Buffinton
Treasurer
Bryan Buffinton, originally from New Jersey, spent nine years as a child actor on *Guiding Light* while balancing a typical upbringing. A Boston College graduate, he entered the financial industry in 2008 and founded Better Balance Financial in 2015 to simplify retirement planning for clients. A Tampa resident since 2007, Bryan is a self-described nerd/artist/jock with a passion for technology, film, music, and sports. His son, Bennett, is in 6th grade at Hillel Academy, and his daughter, Emma, is in 3rd grade, where they’ve found a nurturing, inclusive community that aligns with their values. Now serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, Bryan is committed to supporting Hillel’s mission and success.
Seth Forman
Past President
Dan Berman
Director
Rabbi Aaron Lever
Director
Mical Solomon
Director
Melinda Sheer
Non-Voting Board Advisor - Federation Liaison
Dan Soschin
President-Elect
Dan Soschin, a South Tampa resident since 2014, will begin his presidency at Hillel Academy in May 2025. He and his wife, Sydney, have two children: Cooper, a 6th grader at Hillel, and Fiona, a kindergartener. Active members of Congregation Schaarai Zedek, Dan and Sydney own and operate Pilates Krewe, with three studios across Tampa. The Soschins enjoy biking, beach outings, building Legos, and arts and crafts, embracing the adventures of Florida life.
Yoni Wasser
Recording Secretary
Fern Aefsky
Director
Dr. Fern Aefsky brings over 35 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools, including serving as a school superintendent in New York. Specializing in system change, at-risk learners, and building community partnerships, she has taught masters and doctoral courses in special education, school law, and educational leadership. Her research focuses on community engagement, transformational leadership, and inclusive education. A member of multiple professional organizations, Fern serves on Hillel Academy's Governance Committee and assists with securing grants to support the school’s mission.
Nat Doliner
Director
Steven Shapiro
Director
Steven Viders
Director
Amy Basham
Head Of School