Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) has announced that Doug Seserman will step away from his role as CEO. He will serve as special advisor to the organization to help ensure a smooth transition through the end of November and will be available as needed thereafter.
After nearly 24 years as a CEO in the Jewish professional space—eight with A4BGU, and more than 15 at JEWISHcolorado, the Jewish Federation in Denver—Seserman will move on to his next chapter.
“I don’t see this as a retirement, but rather my ‘re-wirement,” Seserman said. “I’m proud of my work, and it has been especially gratifying over these last eight years to lead A4BGU, which is not only a fundraising organization in support of one of the most important institutions to the future of Israel, but also a ‘movement’ in the Diaspora rooted in a unifying 21st-century vision for Zionism—rallying Americans around what’s right about Israel.”
He added that “Ben-Gurion University serves as a migdal or—a beacon of light emanating from the Negev Desert. Through higher education and breakthrough research, BGU is solving some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. As Israel’s founder, first prime minister and namesake of the University said: ‘The future of Israel will emerge from the Negev.’ BGU is the anchor institution and engine for growth of the Negev, and A4BGU will continue playing a major role in shaping the future.”
Starting on Nov. 1, Ian Benjamin, who currently serves as interim CFO, will assume the position of interim CEO at A4BGU.
Benjamin has served the New York region nonprofit community for more than 40 years, most recently as interim CEO/executive director at Community Capital New York, Greater Newark Conservancy, Volunteers of Legal Service, and Riverdale Neighborhood House.
As a partner in a major national accounting firm, he has advised higher education and nonprofit organizations; private foundations; international, membership and cultural groups; colleges and universities; K-12 schools; trade and professional associations; and nonprofit boards. He has extensive experience guiding and advising nonprofits that are in transition.
In 2021, Seserman spearheaded the rebranding of A4BGU, formerly known as American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. At the heart of this transformation, the organization launched a movement of Americans committed to amplifying the positive facets of Israel in the 21st century. In 2023, Seserman was recognized by The Jerusalem Post as one of the “Top 50" Influential Jews.
“Doug’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Americans for Ben-Gurion University. Throughout his tenure, he has raised awareness in the United States of the work of the university, its research, its medical school, and its transformative role in developing the infrastructure and economy of the Negev,” said Benjamin. “As we navigate this transition for A4BGU, we thank Doug for his eight years of service, and remain steadfast in advancing the values of innovation and resilience that define Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and its global community.”
More recently, Seserman has led A4BGU’s urgent and comprehensive response to the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. That includes the effort to rebuild and revitalize the south of Israel with BGU as the region’s growth engine, and to provide emergency assistance to the BGU community amid the two-year-long war’s disproportionate impact on the campus. Throughout his career, Seserman has overseen more than $500 million in fundraising achievements and has stewarded $800 million in endowment assets.
“Doug’s commitment to A4BGU, the Negev and the concept of 21st-century Zionism has been an inspiration. We thank Doug for all he has accomplished and for dedicating himself to BGU, the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” said Andrea Goren, chairman of A4BGU’s board of directors. “He will remain forever a part of the A4BGU and BGU family, and someone who has made exceptional contributions to the mission of both organizations. At the same time, we are confident in Ian’s ability to shepherd the organization through this crucial transition.”
