American Jewish University (AJU) announces the appointment of Suzy Bookbinder as vice president for advancement and chief development officer. In this role, she will work closely with AJU’s president, board and senior leadership to advance the university’s philanthropic goals and continue to foster a relationship of service and partnership with the community.
Bookbinder is a fundraising professional with more than 30 years of experience. She recently served as the executive philanthropy consultant at Jewish World Watch and previously held positions at Hillel International as the director of donor relations; Jewish Family Service Los Angeles as the chief development officer; and de Toledo High School in Los Angeles as the chief advancement officer.
“American Jewish University holds a significant and ongoing role in my life and the lives of many others. The university serves as a lifelong institution that embraces individuals at all points of their Jewish journey,” said Bookbinder. “With my parents having met at BCI, my personal involvement in AJU courses and my experience teaching for the university’s MBA program, I am excited to once again be a part of this remarkable establishment in my new capacity. My goal is to enlighten potential supporters and donors, fostering in them the same passion for AJU that existing community members hold.”
The university is in the midst of a comprehensive fundraising campaign that will support the construction of new facilities at Camp Alonim on AJU’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus, as well as develop and support programmatic initiatives. Other initiatives include the expansion of AJU’s digital programming, sponsoring new curricular initiatives in the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and growth in the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys.
