A lifelong Winnipegger, if you don't count a brief post-university stint in Australia, Stephen Rosenfield has spent more than 45 years as an accountant in Winnipeg, over 40 of which he has run his own practice. Now, he brings his expertise and experience to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba Board of Directors.
"In your work, you always try to deliver better than the day before," he says, describing one of his core philosophies. "It is a privilege to continue having clients come to me for guidance and advice, and for them, I try to ensure that I continue to improve.
Stephen is a proud husband, father, and grandfather. Though most of his extended family has moved to Toronto or San Francisco, Stephen and his daughter are among the last of the Rosenfields still rooted in Winnipeg. "What's kept me here is my family and friends. I like to keep it simple," he reflects.
Stephen's decision to join the Foundation's Board stems from a long-standing belief in the organization's lasting impact on the community.
"I'm a big believer in the Foundation. The bottom line is that it's one of the most important charitable organizations in this city," he explains. "The capital remains in Manitoba, which is huge for me.”
After years of volunteering on boards throughout the province, he now makes his way to the JFM.
"In the twilight of my career, I'm choosing to focus on one of Manitoba's most important foundations."
Stephen and his wife, Corky, have also been inspired by others who have committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the community through the Endowment Book of Life. They plan to follow in the footsteps of those before them in the near future.
Stephen and Corky have also established multiple Community Impact Funds at the JFM, which Stephen has affectionately dubbed his 'I Love You' funds.
"People often use the words 'I love you' as a nice remark but without any weight behind it," he explains. "I decided I want there to be strength behind those words, I want people in the future to benefit in the name of those I say I love."
We welcome Stephen to our Board of Directors and are eager to benefit from the value he brings.