40 Under 40: Joel Stern

Joel Stern’s involvement in Judaism was deeply impacted by his great uncle, Rabbi Jack Stern, and the man’s son, Rabbi David Stern. When Stern first came to Atlanta, he asked his great uncle for advice. Rabbi Stern said “You have to see Rabbi Berg at The Temple,” which started Stern’s Jewish Journey in Atlanta.

Professionally, Stern is an Equity Partner at Sterling Secrest Pritchard – and part of employed benefits team. Summarizing his job, Stern said “Yes we’re helping companies, but we’re helping them help their people.”

Perhaps his most critical accomplishment outside of work was helping found Make A Wish Georgia Atlanta Young Professionals Group. His interest in the Make A Wish organization stemmed from the son of one of his clients out in Alabama, who battled Leukemia at a young age for several years, and beat it.

“Meeting him and understanding his story and their family’s story really had a tremendous impact on me. Understanding how fighting a critical illness can kind of rob a kid of their childhood.”

Seeing the impact that a wish had on the family, whose son has now gone on to found charitable organizations of his own, convinced Stern of its importance. He founded the Young Professionals about a decade ago, and was president of the organization until aging out 2 years ago, by that time he had raised over a million dollars.

He is also involved in AJC ACCESS as a current co-chair, and is a graduate of the ADL Glass Leadership Institute.

“As I’ve gotten older, my connection to Judaism has evolved from something I grew up with into something I’ve intentionally chosen to prioritize. Through my involvement with AJC and Atlanta’s Jewish community, and especially now as a parent, I feel a responsibility to carry those traditions, values and sense of community forward.”

He lives in Chastain Park with his wife, Alden, and their two children, Ann Warren and Fischer.