The Jewish Agency for Israel Names New President and CEO of International Development

New York, December 18, 2018 — The Jewish Agency for Israel has today announced Gail Reiss as the new President and CEO of Jewish Agency International Development (JAID), which was created in 2010 to serve as the organization’s fundraising arm in North America.

Reiss joins The Jewish Agency from American Friends of Tel Aviv University, where she served as President and CEO, having previously served as Vice President of the UJA-Federation of New York’s Philanthropic Leadership Group. Reiss has also held several prior senior positions with the UJC-JFNA which have included multiple partnerships with The Jewish Agency, including the planning of the National Campaign Chair and Directors’ mission, and all major gift missions.

With extensive experience in cultivating and engaging major gift donors, Reiss' deep knowledge and understanding of Jewish development will be an asset to The Jewish Agency and JAID. Her expertise positions her to lead and expand the organization's development efforts, with an initial focus on North America. Under Reiss' leadership, fundraising and support teams will work to respond to a changing and competitive fundraising environment, strengthening The Jewish Agency’s partnership with the Jewish Federations throughout North America, as well as worldwide efforts with Keren Hayesod, and also placing a greater emphasis on outreach to individual donors and foundations.

"I’ve been very impressed by Gail’s passion, professionalism, and sincere commitment to Israel and Jewish peoplehood, and look forward to our work together,” stated Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency. “We are delighted to have her onboard.”

Reiss will commence her position on January 22, 2019 and will be based out of the organization’s New York office.