July 3, 2019
New York, NY, July 2, 2019 – USCJ announced that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Leslie Lichter has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer (ICEO). USCJ’s Board of Directors unanimously voted on this change during its quarterly meeting June 23rd in Chicago.
Ms. Lichter joined USCJ in 2016 as its first-ever Chief Innovation and Implementation Officer. She was later appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2018, a role that was expanded following the departure of Rabbi Steven Wernick, USCJ’s prior Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Lichter will continue to oversee the day-to-day USCJ program and business operations, working closely with the rest of the executive team and reporting to USCJ’s international president Ned Gladstein.
“Ultimately, the Board’s approval emphasizes its confidence in Leslie leading the organization through this period of transition.” said Gladstein.
Ms. Lichter will lead USCJ’s implementation of its Roadmap to Operational Sustainability and Strategic Success. “Through her USCJ tenure, and particularly over the last several months, Leslie has proven herself a strategic leader, an effective collaborator with lay leadership and partner organizations and a welcomed face of Conservative synagogues.” said Gladstein.
“I am honored and excited to lead USCJ at this pivotal time,” Lichter said. “I am thrilled to work with our talented professionals and dedicated lay leaders as we pursue our path forward to strengthen our network of synagogues and the opportunities for teen engagement across the North American Conservative Movement within the changing demographics of the Jewish community.”
About USCJ
Founded in 1913, USCJ is the network of nearly 600 Conservative Jewish communities across North America. We represent the values and beliefs of an authentic and dynamic Judaism in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Israel. Our work strengthens kehillot (Jewish communities inside and outside the walls of a synagogue) by providing visionary leadership training, creating opportunities for Jews of all ages to learn and grow, sharing essential resources, and seeding innovative ideas. Learn more at www.uscj.org.
