Staff
Meet the Staff
Joel Marcovitch, Director
Joel comes to us all the way from London! He was the former Assistant Director at the University of Michigan Hillel, and is now our director for Hillel at UGA. Joel will serve the Bulldog Nation by being there to work with students, parents, alumni, and community members. His favorite soccer team is Arsenal, and he is also the newest fan of the DAWGS!
Contact Joel at (706) 543-6393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Michael E. Braun, Program Director
As a new Hillel professional, Michael feels that it is a distinct pleasure to become a member of the UGA Hillel staff. He graduated from Indiana University in 2002 as an active Hillel member, a college cheerleader and a fraternity brother. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he has spent three years working in a small Chicago business and traveling 25 countries around the world. In addition to touring foreign lands, he loves outdoor activities: climbing mountains, running, cycling, and swimming.
He is excited to begin new adventures in Athens - the South is a new region for him! After receiving information about the active community, the lively music culture, and the opportunities for campus involvement, insight into Athens and UGA Hillel left him in the same state: A strong desire to personally experience those wonderful things!
He once ran 7 states in 7 days; a feat that proceeded his journey through the Chicago Marathon. While living abroad, he enjoyed mountain climbing and trail riding.
His personal background bodes well with this music culture. His grandma was an opera singer, and he has sung all my life, though his performances were off the main stage, unless the shower counts as a platform.
He is looking forward to building strong relationships with Jewish students on campus and throughout the entire campus community. His door is always open- drop in at Hillel anytime. See you soon!
Contact Michael at (706) 543-6393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Alicia Arnold-Compere, Office Manager
I am a current student at Gainesville State College working on my psychology degree. I grew up in Madison, GA, a small historic town with an even smaller social scene, so Athens has always been where my heart was. I love this town.
I am a total foodie, so anything involving gourmet cooking or the Food Network gets me excited. I love funny movies or stand up comedy (favorite comics include Demetri Martin, Mitch Hedberg, Dave Chappelle, and Eddie Izzard); pretty much if you can make me laugh then I will like you. I am addicted to cream soda and sleeping late. Other than that, I just do whatever amuses me that I have time and/or money for.
I am not Jewish, but have always been religiously open-minded and eager to learn anything new, so working at Hillel has already proven to be a wonderfully educational experience. I look forward to meeting new students and learning more about the Jewish culture and lifestyle. If you ever need company for a coffee/ice cream/sushi/etc. break, give me a call or drop by the office!
Contact Alicia at (706) 543-6393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Bradley Erbesfield, Gradute Assistant (Academic Year)
Bradley graduated with a major in Child & Family Development from The University of Georgia with a certificate in Leadership from the ILA Program in December 2007. In addition to working for Hillel, he enjoys working with kids and teens. He has been involved with UGA Hillel for a long time, and enjoys working in Athens, GA! He is the previous UGA Idol coordinator from 2006 - 2008, and it is still one of his favorite Hillel events! Brad is one of the biggest DAWG fans you will find around town, and loves sports! He will be working on several projects for Hillel; everything from keeping up our building to working with students! In addition, Brad is currently working on his masters at UGA! He is always willing to lend a helping hand!
Contact Brad at (706) 543-6393 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Wayne Silverman, Executive Director of Hillels of Georgia
"Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students in a manner that is universally human and distinctively Jewish adding value to each campus on which we are active. I'm delighted to be part of this important enterprise."
Contact Wayne at (404)-727-2088 or wayne@hillelsofgeorgia.org.
