Sholom is proud to share that David Nirenstein, Immediate Past Board President for Sholom Community Alliance, has been awarded LeadingAge Minnesota’s 2026 Stars Among Us – Board Trustee of the Year Award.
This prestigious statewide honor, presented by LeadingAge Minnesota, recognizes a volunteer board member whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on their organization and significantly enhanced the lives of older adults.
What This Award Recognizes
The Board Trustee of the Year Award is given to an individual who demonstrates:
- Exceptional leadership in advancing organizational mission and strategy
- A deep commitment to enriching the lives of older adults
- Strong governance rooted in integrity, accountability, and inclusivity
- Service that extends beyond the boardroom into meaningful, mission-driven action
David exemplifies each of these qualities — and more.
A Legacy of Leadership at Sholom
David has served Sholom with distinction since joining the Board in 2015. Over the past decade, his leadership journey has included roles as Vice President, Treasurer, President-Elect, Board President (2023–2025), and now Immediate Past President and Chair of the Nominating Committee.
Throughout his tenure, David has helped guide Sholom through some of the most complex moments in senior care history — including the COVID-19 pandemic, a CEO transition, and a period of transformational strategic planning. His leadership has been marked by steadiness, vision, and a deep belief that organizational strength must always translate into dignity, care, and belonging for older adults.
- Under David’s leadership, Sholom:
- Launched a refreshed brand identity rooted in Jewish values and inclusivity
- Invested more than $8 million in infrastructure and systems to strengthen care delivery
- Embedded resident voices directly into board governance
- Navigated unprecedented financial and operational challenges with courage and clarity
Voices That Speak to His Impact
The nomination for this award was supported by heartfelt letters from Sholom leaders and community members who have witnessed David’s leadership firsthand.
From left to right: Sholom’s past CEO, Barb Klick; Sholom’s current CEO, Jim Newbrough; current Board Chair Renee Lampert; David’s mother and resident at Sholom, Corinne LaLiberte; David Nirenstein; David’s son, wife, and daughter.
Jim Newbrough, CEO, Sholom:
David Nirenstein embodies what it means to be a Board Trustee of the Year. With unwavering commitment to Sholom’s mission and values, he has guided us through a global pandemic, a CEO transition, and a transformative strategic plan. His insistence on including resident voices in governance, his courage in navigating religious and cultural questions, and his vision in launching both a refreshed brand identity and a historic $8 million infrastructure investment have left a permanent mark on Sholom. David is a compassionate leader, a thoughtful steward, and an advocate for older adults. We are proud to have him as part of Sholom.Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, Past CEO of Sholom:
David has all the attributes that one would expect in a great board chair: commitment to Sholom’s mission and values, strong and courageous leadership, strategic thinker, great communicator, effective facilitator, and an effective mentor for me. As important, David’s leadership style also engenders trust with Sholom’s staff, leaders, board and the greater community.He also exemplifies servant leadership! His focus is always on serving others. David leads and builds community at the same time while always remaining humble, gracious and kind.
Corinne LaLiberte, Mother of David Nirenstein and Sholom Resident:
David’s leadership is not just about skill or service, it’s rooted in his deep humanity. I have seen him as a husband, father, son, and friend. He treats people with respect, listens with empathy, and acts with integrity. In many ways, he reminds me of my own father, David’s maternal grandfather from Winnipeg, who he didn’t see often, but whose gentle kindness lives on in him.As a resident at Sholom myself at Knollwood Place Apartments Independent Living, I am able to see firsthand the impact of David’s efforts. His leadership is felt in the culture of care, the sense of community, and the commitment to excellence that defines Sholom. I nominate him wholeheartedly, not simply because he is my son, but because he is an extraordinary leader whose life’s work embodies the values and mission of LeadingAge Minnesota.
Together, these reflections paint a picture of a leader who leads with humility, listens deeply, and consistently centers people — residents, families, staff, and community — in every decision.
A Leader Guided by Service
At the heart of David’s leadership is a belief that older adults deserve not only excellent care, but joy, voice, and connection. Whether advocating for resident inclusion at the governance level, supporting staff through times of uncertainty, or strengthening Sholom’s long-term sustainability, David has led with what many describe as servant leadership — principled, compassionate, and quietly impactful.
From David
David Nirenstein on what this honor means to him:
I see this award as an award earned by all of us at Sholom. This award is a recognition of the hard work and the loving and compassionate care provided at Sholom. I am blessed to be part of such an amazing organization and am excited for our future!
A Celebration of Leadership
David has recently been formally recognized for this honor at the LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo in February 2026, where he received his award and participated in a statewide panel discussion alongside other honorees.
Sholom is incredibly proud to celebrate David Nirenstein — a trustee, steward, and champion for older adults whose leadership has left an enduring mark on our organization and community.
See David’s reaction when he learned about the honor below as CEO, Jim Newbrough made the announcement at a Board Meeting, as David’s family and past CEO Barb Klick surprised him.
