American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) has appointed Justin Pressman as Executive Director of its Western Region, which encompasses Southern California and the Southwestern states.
In his new position, Pressman will develop regional strategic campaign plans, as well as implement and evaluate major giving campaigns in support of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel’s premier academic institution and research powerhouse.
“We are thrilled to welcome Justin to our team to lead AFHU’s programming and fundraising efforts in the Western Region,” says AFHU Chief Executive Officer Joshua Rednik. “With his experience and contacts along with our longstanding presence in the region, we believe we are well positioned for future growth and greater awareness of meaningful philanthropic opportunities in support of the Hebrew University.”
A consummate fundraising professional, Pressman previously served as West Coast Executive Director for American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic, one of the world’s foremost orchestras. During his tenure, he mobilized national and regional leadership cohorts to exceed ambitious fundraising goals, launched new chapters in San Diego and Dallas to expand the institution’s donor base and leveraged the Philharmonic’s virtual and live programming to reach new and diverse audiences.
“I look forward to expanding AFHU programming and building even greater support for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the Western Region,” says Pressman. “This role aligns my passion for Israel with the university’s research and entrepreneurial advancements.”
Pressman began his career with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
As a Fulbright scholar in 2012-13, he researched the administrative and concert-going culture of Russia’s musical institutions and specialized in the Russian operatic and ballet repertoire as a conducting student at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory and Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Pressman is a graduate of the University of Miami, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance. He lives in Los Angeles.
