Sarah Y. Eisenman and Shauna Waltman have been honored with the 2011 Young Professional Award of the Jewish Communal Service Association.

The Award, the most prestigious for young professionals in Jewish community service, will be presented during the upcoming Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Denver.

Eisenman, Director of Next Generation and Service Initiatives, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and Waltman, Director of UJA’s Community Connect, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, were chosen by a distinguished panel from a large and varied group of candidates nominated by their colleagues from scores of organizations throughout North America. Established in 1972, the Award is given to dedicated young professionals who have demonstrated exemplary service, integrity, impact and commitment in their profession.

“Nominating a young colleague is a valuable means of acknowledging his or her contributions to the success of your agency and community,” said Howard Charish, who is Vice President of Major Gifts at the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University. “It’s important to recognize their efforts, which are ensuring the future of our community, its ideals and good works – and we thank all of the organizations that participated.”

The JCSA Award, which includes a $1,000 honorarium, is underwritten by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and the Bernard Rodkin Fund of United Israel Appeal-Federations of Canada.

About: The Jewish Communal Service Association of North America (JCSA) works with a broad spectrum of organizations in the United States and Canada to shape, define, and promote professional leadership in Jewish community service for the 21st Century. JCSA connects practitioners and leadership and provides opportunities to share knowledge and collaborate across fields of service. JCSA brings together multiple professions, associations and advocacy groups, linking 16 local organizations by providing partnership and advancement opportunities. JCSA supports professional development and the creation and dissemination of educational resources, and promotes best practices, recognition, advocacy and networking.

JCSA actively assists in the creation of new groups – and in the development and retention of young talent through its prestigious Young Professional Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership, and on-going community forums. JCSA’s publications include The Journal of Jewish Communal Service, which focuses on professional standards, trends and developments, and critical thinking on important issues for the Jewish community.