HFLA Introduces Its Newest Board Members
March 2025
Janice Pierce has been an estate planning and probate attorney for over 30 years and is board-certified in her field. She brings her expertise in drafting and reviewing loan documents and contracts, as well as a deep commitment to HFLA’s mission of empowering individuals through access to financial resources.
Janice is married to Don Grefe, who recently retired after building a successful accounting practice over 40+ years. Together, they have one wonderful daughter, Jessie, who recently returned to Austin and teaches 5th grade language arts at Hill Elementary.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Janice is a lifelong learner and adventurer. She holds an MBA from UT Austin, loves cycling, fitness, long walks with her dogs Lola and Maggie, and traveling the world.
She has mentored first-year law students for years, worked on voter protection projects since 2016, and even holds the title of associate Kung Fu master (5th-degree black belt), teaching kids the art of Kung Fu.
Janice and Don’s story is rooted in connection—fun fact: they met at her sister’s wedding and worked together at Greene Family Camp during its early years.
Rabbi Alan Freedman is a dedicated leader in the Austin Jewish community with a lifelong commitment to service, governance, and Jewish tradition. He served as a congregational rabbi for many years and remains actively involved in Jewish life through teaching and his work with Shalom Austin.
Rabbi Freedman believes strongly in the mission of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, recognizing that the highest form of tzedakah is helping someone become self-sufficient. His extensive experience on boards and in governance allows him to contribute valuable insight to HFLA’s work, ensuring that individuals and families receive the financial support they need to achieve success with dignity.
Originally trained as a lawyer, Rabbi Freedman holds a law degree in addition to his rabbinic ordination. Outside of his community work, he enjoys following sports, staying active, and traveling. He and his wife, Lori, have three daughters, three grandchildren, and a beloved dog named Blu.
Richard Anton has been a part of the Austin community for 47 years, first arriving as a student at The University of Texas for his undergraduate degree and later earning his law degree from UT Law. He went on to practice law in Austin for over 40 years, specializing in cases that often exposed him to the financial hardships individuals and families face. Through his work in bankruptcy law, Richard saw firsthand how financial struggles can disrupt lives, which led him to appreciate the impact of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin. Introduced to HFLA by former board chair Marvin Schrager, he was eager to lend his expertise to the organization.
As a board member, Richard draws on his legal background to assess financial challenges facing loan applicants and evaluate how HFLA’s interest-free loans can make a meaningful difference. He is committed to ensuring HFLA remains financially strong and able to assist as many applicants as possible.
Richard retired from his law practice at the end of 2022 and now enjoys playing golf and poker, staying involved in civic engagement, and exploring new community service opportunities. He served as an election clerk in 2024 and is the President of the North by Northwest Democrats club.
Fun facts: Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972, holding a security clearance higher than Top Secret. He also spent over 20 years working in the staff kitchen at the Kerrville Folk Festival, earning the title of unofficial biscuit maven.
Richard and his wife, Merriessa, have been married for over 56 years. They have two children, Lane and Shirra, and two grandsons, Charlie and Sam. Their family also includes two beloved dogs.
Janice Pierce has been an estate planning and probate attorney for over 30 years and is board-certified in her field. She brings her expertise in drafting and reviewing loan documents and contracts, as well as a deep commitment to HFLA’s mission of empowering individuals through access to financial resources.
Janice is married to Don Grefe, who recently retired after building a successful accounting practice over 40+ years. Together, they have one wonderful daughter, Jessie, who recently returned to Austin and teaches 5th grade language arts at Hill Elementary.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Janice is a lifelong learner and adventurer. She holds an MBA from UT Austin, loves cycling, fitness, long walks with her dogs Lola and Maggie, and traveling the world. She has mentored first-year law students for years, worked on voter protection projects since 2016, and even holds the title of associate Kung Fu master (5th-degree black belt), teaching kids the art of Kung Fu.
Janice and Don’s story is rooted in connection—fun fact: they met at her sister’s wedding and worked together at Greene Family Camp during its early years.
Rabbi Alan Freedman is a dedicated leader in the Austin Jewish community with a lifelong commitment to service, governance, and Jewish tradition. He served as a congregational rabbi for many years and remains actively involved in Jewish life through teaching and his work with Shalom Austin.
Rabbi Freedman believes strongly in the mission of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin, recognizing that the highest form of tzedakah is helping someone become self-sufficient. His extensive experience on boards and in governance allows him to contribute valuable insight to HFLA’s work, ensuring that individuals and families receive the financial support they need to achieve success with dignity.
Originally trained as a lawyer, Rabbi Freedman holds a law degree in addition to his rabbinic ordination. Outside of his community work, he enjoys following sports, staying active, and traveling. He and his wife, Lori, have three daughters, three grandchildren, and a beloved dog named Blu.
Richard Anton has been a part of the Austin community for 47 years, first arriving as a student at The University of Texas for his undergraduate degree and later earning his law degree from UT Law. He went on to practice law in Austin for over 40 years, specializing in cases that often exposed him to the financial hardships individuals and families face. Through his work in bankruptcy law, Richard saw firsthand how financial struggles can disrupt lives, which led him to appreciate the impact of Hebrew Free Loan of Austin. Introduced to HFLA by former board chair Marvin Schrager, he was eager to lend his expertise to the organization.
As a board member, Richard draws on his legal background to assess financial challenges facing loan applicants and evaluate how HFLA’s interest-free loans can make a meaningful difference. He is committed to ensuring HFLA remains financially strong and able to assist as many applicants as possible.
Richard retired from his law practice at the end of 2022 and now enjoys playing golf and poker, staying involved in civic engagement, and exploring new community service opportunities. He served as an election clerk in 2024 and is the President of the North by Northwest Democrats club.
Fun facts: Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972, holding a security clearance higher than Top Secret. He also spent over 20 years working in the staff kitchen at the Kerrville Folk Festival, earning the title of unofficial biscuit maven.
Richard and his wife, Merriessa, have been married for over 56 years. They have two children, Lane and Shirra, and two grandsons, Charlie and Sam. Their family also includes two beloved dogs.