Board of Directors

Friends of Open House was established as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit in 2001.

Randy Ross, Chair
Randy Ross has been Chair of the FOH Board of Directors since 2001. Professionally, Randy serves as Senior Equity Specialist at the New England Equity Assistance Center, at Brown University, Providence, RI. She provides technical assistance and professional development on equity issues, including school climate, anti-racism, and cultural competence. She also provides independent consulting and teaches college courses on similar topics. Previous to her current position, Randy worked in the NJ Office of Bias Crime and Community Relations, where she led diversity and dialogue workshops, including interfaith dialogue. She has a strong interest in Contemplative Education. She received her BA and MA in Anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley and an MS in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education in New York City.

Yehezkel Landau, Vice Chair
Yehezkel Landau is Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations at Hartford Seminary. A dual Israeli-American citizen, his work has been in the fields of interfaith education and Jewish-Arab peacemaking. He directed the Oz veShalom-Netivot Shalom religious peace movement in Israel during the 1980′s. From 1991 to 2003, he was co-founder and co-director of the OPEN HOUSE Center for Jewish-Arab Coexistence in Ramle, Israel. He co-edited VOICES FROM JERUSALEM: JEWS AND CHRISTIANS REFLECT ON THE HOLY LAND (Paulist Press, 1992) and authored a research report entitled “Healing the Holy Land: Interreligious Peacebuilding in Israel/Palestine” (United States Institute of Peace, Sept. 2003). At Hartford Seminary, Professor Landau coordinates an interfaith training program for Jews, Christians, and Muslims called “Building Abrahamic Partnerships” (visit www.hartsem.edu or email: ylandau@hartsem.edu).

Barry Jacobson, Secretary
Prior to joining the Friends of OPEN HOUSE Board of Directors, Barry chaired the FOH Boston Chapter. He led meetings, spoke at Boston area churches, and helped organize programs such as fundraisers, discussion groups, and an interfaith peace-building seder. He was instrumental in implementing the Boston-area events of the Open House Summer Teen Tour of 2002. Barry has an A.B. in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School. He was recently an interim Associate Minister at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church. Currently, he is seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ.

Gary Tabasinske, Treasurer
Gary Tabasinske, a professional architect, has been a longstanding benefactor of Open House. Gary does pro bono architecture work for the Lopez Community Land Trust, where he has organized the construction of many affordable houses. He is involved with the Heifer Project International in Africa and South America, visiting the sites, supporting the people personally, assessing the needs and determining how best he can help. Gary also supports ASAPROSAR, a rural health organization in El Salvador, run by a woman medical doctor who assists the urban poor through micro-credit lending and sustainable agriculture techniques.

Danya Karram, Board Member
Danya Karram is a second generation Muslim-American of Lebanese heritage. She serves on several community boards including the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Bridges for a Just Community and Artistic Expressions of Faith. Danya holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Kentucky and has completed post graduate work at Xavier University. Her professional career has included working in accounting, sales and marketing. She currently is the Executive Director and part-owner of SIA Spa. She is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati and in 2000 was chosen as one of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Women of the Year. She resides in Cincinnati with her husband and two teenage children.