David Hoguet, JCGC’s First Executive Director, Retires
In 2008, David Hoguet agreed to serve as an interim director of the newly formed Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati. Almost nine years later, Mr. Hoguet retired. David was originally from the New York area, before moving to Cincinnati. He is married to Karen (nee Meisel) Hoguet. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and had a successful career in business in the private sector. After having successfully taken his father-in-law’s (Alvin “Bunny” Meisel) company, Globe Furniture, to a public offering and while between ventures, Mr. Hoguet rented an office in the same building as Michael Fisher, who was then a trustee of The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.
Michael Fisher encouraged David to accept the position of Executive Director for just 6 months, to help the newly formed organization launch and shepherd it through its initial phase of consolidation of the 22 cemeteries that formed JCGC. Six months came and went, and David says that he enjoyed the work and enjoyed the people with whom he worked. His previous experience in business and volunteering in several local nonprofits made him well-suited for the position.
David oversaw the addition of a 23rd cemetery to JCGC, as well as the establishment of our newest cemetery, the recently dedicated Loveland Cemetery, which will serve the entire Jewish community for the next 100 years. His tenure, thanks to his diligent work, has seen JCGC become a “community” organization, whose board members care equally for all of the cemeteries. They understand the importance of collaboration and respect for the different traditions that comprise the cemeteries and backgrounds of individual board members. David has helped forge a strong and vital relationship between Weil Funeral Home and its staff, initiated several benefits and improvements for JCGC staff members, as well as maintained good relationships with the congregations and local Jewish community.
Perhaps most vitally, David oversaw the financial consolidation, management of the $4 million grant from The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, and overall investment and operations strategy that have resulted in putting JCGC in an excellent position to be able to successfully fulfill its mission. While some fundraising for the organization, special projects, and the continued legacy gift campaign are necessary, the stable foundation on which JCGC now stands positions it well to undertake those initiatives from a place of strength.
In retirement, David will manage some family real estate, in between golf and visiting with his two daughters and their spouses. He’ll continue to volunteer in non-profit organizations, as well. And David plans to stay involved with JCGC and will perhaps consult with Jewish communities and cemeteries around the country, as others wish to learn about the model of JCGC and how it became the successful venture it is today. JCGC wishes David Hoguet all the best and thanks him sincerely for his 6-months-turned-9-years of service!