National Council of Jewish Women, the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil-rights organization representing 250,000 changemakers across the United States and the State of Israel, announces that Jody Rabhan has been appointed its next chief executive officer, following a vote of the board of directors. She steps into the role after serving at NCJW for decades, including most recently as executive vice president, bringing rich leadership experience, deep institutional knowledge and a clear vision for the organization’s future.
Rabhan’s appointment marks a powerful moment of continuity and momentum for NCJW as the organization advances NCJW Forward, its bold, multi-year strategy to strengthen its infrastructure, expand its reach and build a movement of 1 million changemakers capable of meeting the urgency of this moment for women, children and families.
“Jody is exactly the leader NCJW needs right now,” said Laura Monn Ginsburg, president and board chair of NCJW. “She brings moral clarity, strategic discipline and a profound understanding of how this organization creates real impact every single day. Jody knows our mission inside and out—not just because she has helped lead it, but because she has lived it throughout most of her career. The board has complete confidence in Jody’s ability to guide NCJW forward with strength, purpose and care.”
“I came to NCJW for the issues, but I stayed for the advocacy,” Rabhan said. “This is where I learned how to be an advocate with Jewish values at the forefront of action that improves people’s lives. NCJW is the place where being Jewish, being a woman and fighting for a more just world come together—nothing has to be checked at the door. This organization has shaped who I am, and I’m unbelievably honored to help lead where we go next.”
Under her leadership, NCJW has already invested deeply in its future—strengthening its national-local structure, modernizing its systems and creating more accessible pathways for advocacy and leadership. As CEO, she will take on the full implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, NCJW Forward, with a focus on creating new entry points to the NCJW movement, expanding leadership development offerings, and delivering lasting impact for women, children and families in the United States and Israel.
“At a time of profound urgency for our country and our world, NCJW is not standing still,” Rabhan said. “We are strengthening the organization so we can bring more people into this movement, reflect the full diversity of the communities we serve, and fight effectively for women, children and families. Fully realizing NCJW Forward is not just a strategic goal; it is a moral imperative.”
She continued: “Going all the way back to our founder, Hannah G. Solomon, NCJW has always understood that real change happens when we take our seat at every table—in community, in coalition and across every part of society. Our work has always been grounded in dignity, equity and care for one another. If there was ever a moment for NCJW to lead with clarity and courage, it is now.”
Monn Ginsburg added, “Jody leads with values, with care and with a deep understanding of the people who make NCJW what it is. She is a leader who commands respect across movements and communities, and her appointment signals both continuity and ambition. Jody is exceptionally well-positioned to lead NCJW forward.”
Rabhan assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.
