April 2025
Federation Staff
Federation staff recount their best moments with the departing CEO, Gustavo Rymberg who charted the organization’s course through some of our community’s most difficult moments.
The values he insists on at home: Honesty, loyalty, accountability, courage, are the ones he brings into every meeting and every decision. He has never led from the sidelines, but always steps into the arena for his family and his community, and that is the legacy he will be leaving here in Hamilton.
Jazmin Rymberg
Director of Communications
Working under Gustavo’s leadership the past 4 years has been a remarkable experience. Impossible to put into coherent words how he inspired us all to be committed to bettering the community with “gusto." Here is a list of words that describe him: passionate, rooted in Jewish values, pushing boundaries, warm, firm yet considerate, magnanimous. Get ready, Rochester ... Gusti is bringing it!
Maggie Norris
Program Director
What I admire the most about Gustavo is his creative spirit. Gustavo looks at the finer details of written and visual print and makes his messages clear and concise. This vision also extends into the physical spaces he works in. JHamilton is a space constantly in motion from special events, campaign openings, birthday parties, to Kadimah Jcamp. Gustavo’s vision was to make JHamilton a space for the wider community to learn about the Holocaust, and watching its transformation was amazing. This is just a small portion of the Gustavo effect. I have been inspired by the projects he takes on and the creative transformation that takes place because of his drive and vision.
Jackie Stirling
Office Administrator
Although I have only worked with Gustavo for 16 months, his impact on me, as both a leader and a friend, has been profound. In my 32-year policing career, I have witnessed many different leadership styles, and too often I saw leaders rely on positional authority to influence others. Gustavo never needed to do that. His leadership came from trust, integrity, and genuine care for his people. From the very beginning, he placed his trust in me to make operational decisions related to community security while he focused on the broader strategic vision. That trust meant more than he probably realized. His guidance and coaching, especially around the political and cultural complexities, helped me grow professionally and strengthened our entire team. I was not here to witness firsthand how he led the community through the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, but I have seen the foundation he built and the resilience he helped foster. Because of his stewardship, vision, and tireless efforts, our community is safer and stronger. One of the truest measures of a leader is what remains after they step away. While Gustavo will be deeply missed by those of us who had the privilege of working with him each day, he leaves behind a legacy, a strong team, and a clear mission that will continue because of the example he set.
Glenn Mannella
Regional Security Advisor
Since his arrival in Hamilton, Federation's impact has carried Gustavo’s signature. From the move to JHamilton to the creation of the nomoreamtisemitism onference to the Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Advocacy Centre, his bold vision transformed our small community into one that feels expansive, vibrant, and deeply connected. His impact will be felt for generations to come. As an almost 24-year employee of the Hamilton Jewish Federation, the past nine years working alongside him have been a true highlight of my career. His vision, passion, integrity, leadership, commitment to personal growth, tireless work ethic, and great sense of humour have left a lasting impression on me both professionally and personally. One of the memories I will always carry is his remarkable ability to create his own luck — where preparation consistently met opportunity.
Elaine Levine
Campaign Director
I've only worked with Gustavo for just over one year, hired as a Non-Jew, working for HJF and am so impressed with his knowledge of Jewish and other cultures. When I brought in goodies for our staff meeting on May 5 last year, he commented, without prompting, "Oh is this because of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Holland from the Nazis?" I was surprised that he recognized the date. A great caring, knowledgeable, and approachable boss. He will be greatly missed.
David Rumph
Financial Administrator
I will always remember Gustavo for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Federation. In the short time I have known him, I have seen a noble and caring leader. I will never forget the phone call that echoed through the office when he was attacked for defending Israel and responded with strength and conviction.
Nataly Minster
Executive and Program Assistant
My first time meeting Gustavo, I was greeted with genuine warmth and kindness, and that has never changed in the years I’ve known him. During COVID, when the office had to operate in a completely new way, I saw his care in action as he initiated community check-ins and even shopped and delivered groceries to a senior community member. It’s the many small gestures no one sees that truly define who he is. We are all better because of his leadership.
Christine Nusca
Campaign Administrator
Gustavo has made a monumental impact on this organization and on this community, and I am grateful to have worked with him the last nine years. What has stood out most for me is his genuine respect for his staff and his consistent, heartfelt expressions of appreciation. That culture of respect and gratitude has made working under his leadership not only productive, but deeply fulfilling for everyone on his team. The legacy he leaves is a revitalized Federation that has earned the confidence and respect of the entire community.
Wendy Schneider
Editor, Hamilton Jewish News
