Annie Wolock

At the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, we have very enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer leadership. Because these leaders play such a crucial role in our work, we would like to highlight some of them and their contributions to our community. Our first profile is on Annie Wolock, who is currently the secretary for the Board and the founder of the brand-new A2 Jewish Climate Circle, which aims to connect the local Jewish community over issues surrounding climate change. A lifelong Michigander, Annie is a vital contributor to our Federation ecosystem.

Do you want to get involved with volunteering at Federation? Email info@jewishannarbor.org to connect with us!

 

Jewish Federation (JF): Where are you originally from?

Annie Wolock (AW): I’m a true Michigander at heart. Born in Detroit, I moved to Southfield with my family back in 1965. It’s amazing how those early years shaped me into who I am today.

JF: How long have you lived in Ann Arbor?

AW: I’ve had the pleasure of calling Ann Arbor home for fifty incredible years! I first came here to study goldsmithing at Eastern Michigan University, but life had other plans. I ended up transferring to the business school and earned a BBA with a marketing major and a fine arts minor. It was a journey, working full-time while putting myself through school, but it was totally worth it.

JF: What do you do for work?

AW: I’m a digital marketing strategist, which means I get to help small to mid-sized businesses thrive online. Back in 1994, I founded Keystone Media, and it’s been an absolute blast ever since. There’s nothing quite like seeing our clients succeed and grow their online presence. Our office is on one of the many second-floor offices on Main Street, in downtown Ann Arbor.

JF: What are your hobbies?

AW: I’m a maker at heart! I love cooking from scratch for friends and family—there’s something special about sharing meals and making memories together. When I’m not in the kitchen, you can find me in my studio, creating art with wood, metal, or whatever interesting materials I can find. And, of course, I enjoy getting outdoors for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, or biking, depending on the season. Gardening, meditation, yoga, and curling up with a good book are also some of my favorite ways to unwind.

JF: What meaning do you find in being involved in the Ann Arbor Jewish community?

AW: Being Jewish is a big part of who I am, and it connects me to so many wonderful people and experiences. It’s not just about one aspect of my life; it’s woven into everything I do.

JF: How long have you been involved in Federation? How did you first get involved?

AW: I’ve been part of the Federation since about 2017, thanks to [former Board president] Randy Milgrom inviting me to join the Strategic Communications committee. From there, I chaired the committee and eventually joined the Board in 2022. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel so fortunate to be part of such a caring and thoughtful group.

JF: What is your current role at Federation? What does that role entail?

AW: As a Board member and secretary since 2023, I love being part of a team that oversees the overall strategy and direction of the Federation. We ensure everything runs smoothly and that we’re meeting our legal and fiduciary responsibilities. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals.

JF: What has been your favorite Federation event? Why?

AW: I have to say, the summer event at the Top of the Park is always a highlight for me. It’s just so relaxed and joyful—everyone can let their hair down and enjoy each other’s company without any agendas. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the community.

JF: What is one thing you wish more people knew about Federation?

AW: If there’s one thing I wish everyone knew, it’s that the Federation truly wants to hear from everyone. We’re not a monolith; we’re a diverse community with many voices, and every single one matters. We’re a big tent, and there’s room for everyone at the table.

JF: What do you do with the A2J Climate Circle? What impact have you seen or do you hope to see from your work with them?

AW: I’m proud to have started the A2J Climate Circle in the fall of 2023. Our goal is to inspire climate action within our local Jewish community. We believe that as Jews, we have a responsibility to protect our planet for future generations (tikkun olam). We publish a monthly newsletter (a2jclimatecircle.com) that shares updates, tips, and stories from our community leaders. It’s been amazing to see people come together and take action. I’m grateful to be working alongside Rena Basch, Don Levitt, Mike Shriberg, and Michael Simon on this initiative. We launched officially on February 1, 2025, and I’m excited to see the impact we’ll make together!