The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is strengthening its team with the addition of four new staff members whose backgrounds span communications, community engagement, Jewish education, Israel programming, and financial leadership.
Joining the Federation are Mario Flores as chief financial officer, Shaina Katz as director of marketing and communications, Marisa Baggett as engagement associate, and Bar Segev as Israel and overseas associate.
Mario Flores joins as chief financial officer
Flores brings nearly two decades of experience strengthening financial operations, governance, and long-term sustainability across nonprofit, healthcare, and logistics organizations.
Originally from El Salvador, Flores says the values he learned growing up continue to shape his leadership approach today: hard work, integrity, responsibility, and service to others.
Before joining the Federation, Flores served as financial director for the Tennessee Primary Care Association, where he led statewide financial operations and modernized systems to support long-term organizational health. He previously held CFO roles at Siloam Health, Share Ourselves Corporation, and Hope Family Health Services, helping organizations strengthen financial infrastructure and navigate periods of growth and change.
Earlier in his career, Flores spent nearly 20 years with Macy's Logistics. Known for his thoughtful and disciplined leadership style, Flores combines analytical expertise with a strong commitment to stewardship and service. He is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations build strong foundations necessary for long-term success.
Flores is excited to support the Federation's mission and help ensure the financial strength that makes lasting community impact possible.
Shaina Katz joins as director of marketing and communications
Katz brings a professional background that spans communications, development and international affairs. Most recently, she worked at the National Committee on American Foreign Policy in New York, leading development efforts. Prior to that, she spent several years at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, serving as managing editor of communications, helping shape the institute's communications strategy. She also worked with Fikra Forum, editing and publishing perspectives from across the Middle East for U.S. policymakers.
Katz earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in Arabic from Appalachian State University and was awarded the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco. Her studies and professional experiences have taken her abroad, including work at Tel Aviv University, the Embassy of Jordan, the Middle East Institute, and a prisoner rehabilitation hostel in Haifa. She later completed a master's degree in media and international conflict at University College Dublin.
Outside of work, Katz enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, art, photography, music, and exploring local record stores.
Marisa Baggett focuses on community engagement
Working alongside Chief Impact and Planning Officer Michal Eskenazi Becker, Baggett will focus on creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect with Jewish life throughout Nashville.
Baggett and her husband moved to Nashville in 2024 after more than two decades in Memphis. During her time there, she served in a variety of communal roles, including as a Judaic programming specialist. She also founded and operated a kosher deli and catering company, experiences that helped her build relationships across many parts of the Jewish community.
Her philosophy of engagement is rooted in the belief that there is no single path to meaningful Jewish connection.
"Great engagement creates enough doors that people can find the ones that feel right for them," Baggett said.
Baggett is also a professionally trained sushi chef who has presented programs for organizations including the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and LimmudFest at Ramah Darom. She serves on the North American Board of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Bar Segev strengthens Israel and overseas connections
Segev brings extensive experience in Jewish education, Israel engagement and leadership development.
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Segev earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, anthropology and education from Ariel University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Jewish professional studies through the Spertus Institute.
Before joining the Federation, Segev served as the Jewish Agency Israel fellow at Vanderbilt Hillel, where she worked closely with students to deepen their connection to Israel and Jewish life through educational programming, leadership development, advocacy initiatives and immersive experiences. Her background also includes youth leadership and education roles in Israel, including serving as a youth coordinator with the Telem Youth Movement and as a unit head at URJ Greene Family Camp.
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Segev is passionate about building meaningful connections between people and Israel, strengthening Jewish communities and creating opportunities for learning and leadership. She brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal connection to Israel to her work.
In her new role, Segev will help strengthen ties between Nashville's Jewish community, Israel and global Jewish partners while supporting programs that foster engagement, education and connection.