Jeff Jablansky

While Jeff’s career has seen him manage communications for iconic brands like Genesis, Jaguar Land Rover, and Kia, his current role at Slate has taken him "far beyond the storytelling." Over the past year, he has been "boots on the ground" in Indiana, helping oversee the transformation of a former printing press into a world-class automotive factory. “It’s humbling to learn from and be surrounded by industry experts who are turning an empty, former printing press in Indiana into a world-class automotive factory,” Jeff says. “Since Slate revealed last year, I’ve traveled to Indiana almost a dozen times to track progress on demolition, robot installation, team member growth, and prototype production readiness. You never know when you’ll need a pair of steel-toe boots.”

Jeff credits his time at Schechter for providing the foundational skills that allow him to navigate his high-stakes career. He points to his work on The Lion’s Roar with Mr. Bassin as a "proper introduction to writing and editing" and notes that his Hebrew teachers made him "conversant enough to be able to stand on stage in Eilat in 2017 and address the leaders of the Israeli transportation industry on future automotive trends." Even his memories of the real-world science experiments in Mr. Harless’ physics class play a role in his current work, helping him translate technical concepts for a general audience.

Now living in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter, Jeff remains a staunch advocate for finding a meaningful, personal path. He points to his senior WISE project, which he focused on test-driving cars, as the spark that proved his passion could become a profession.

His message to current Leffell School students is a reminder that success often comes from simply being present: “Your path is just beginning. Let it meander. When someone offers a meeting, take it. So much of life is about showing up.” Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to see the next generation of students using Slate trucks for everything from driver’s ed to STEM classes. “Change can be good!” he says. “Everyone deserves an affordable truck that they can make their own.”