Today, their family stretches beyond Baltimore. Their daughter lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and young daughter, and their son lives in Manhattan with his wife and newborn son. 

Having family in Israel has deepened that connection in a very real way. Joel and his wife travel there regularly, staying close to their daughter and experiencing daily life firsthand. “It’s a wonderful thing,” he says. “It’s made us feel much closer to what’s happening there.” 

Building a Career 

Joel joined the accounting firm Hertzbach in 1980, early in his career, and while the firm has since merged, still works there to this day. At the time, Hertzbach had just 17 employees. Over the years, Joel and his fellow partners helped grow it into a well-established firm of about 150 people. 

“It was never about doing it alone,” he says. “There was a group of us who built it together.” 

After more than 40 years in public accounting, Joel has worked with clients across nearly every industry, from construction to real estate, healthcare and retail, helping businesses navigate financial challenges and make sound decisions. 

Five years ago, Hertzbach merged with BDO, a national firm, reflecting broader shifts in the industry. “Things have gotten more technical,” Joel explains. “To really serve clients today, you need deeper resources and expertise. That’s what being part of a larger firm allows.” 

Today, he works part-time, having helped transition his clients to younger colleagues he mentored over the years. “That’s something I’m proud of,” he says. “They’re in good hands.” 

Stepping More Fully into Community 

Like many in public accounting, Joel spent decades focused heavily on his career. The nature of the work—long hours and demanding schedules—left limited time for deeper community involvement. 

That began to shift in recent years. “I’ve always been connected in some way,” he says. “But as I’ve gotten older, being more directly involved has become more important.” That’s what led him to his current role as Treasurer of the Macks Jewish Connection Network. 

He was recruited by longtime friend Mark Smolarz, former CFO of The Associated. “When someone you trust asks, you don’t say no,” he says. 

For Joel, what distinguishes the Jewish Connection Network is how it approaches relationship-building. “They meet people in a very comfortable way,” he says. “There’s no pressure, no expectation. It’s just an invitation.” 

He’s especially struck by how the organization reaches people who might feel disconnected or unsure of where they fit. “There are a lot of people who have a Jewish background but aren’t actively involved,” he explains. “The Network gives them an easy way in—whether that’s an event, a dinner or just meeting someone one-on-one.” 

That approach aligns with what Joel has come to believe over time— “Everyone does what they’re comfortable with. The important thing is giving people a way to engage at all.” 

A Broader View of Impact 

Joel’s commitment to community extends beyond the Jewish world as well. He’s currently helping support a workforce development initiative in Baltimore City, focused on training individuals for skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and construction. 

“There’s a huge need for that kind of work,” he says. “And it’s something people can build a real life around.” 

For Joel, the motivation is straightforward. “If you can help someone support themselves and their family, that’s meaningful,” he says. 

A Community Worth Investing In 

After a lifetime in Baltimore, Joel doesn’t take the strength of its Jewish community for granted. “It’s a great community,” he says. “People care about each other. That makes a difference.” 

It’s that sense of care—and the belief that connection should feel accessible and personal—that continues to shape how he gives his time today. 

For those thinking about getting involved in The Associated, Joel doesn’t overcomplicate it. 

“Just reach out,” he says. “There are a lot of ways to get involved, and plenty of people who can point you in the right direction.”