The Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, has appointed one of the country’s most dynamic Jewish communal leaders, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, as its executive vice president and chief operating officer. Rabbi Dr. Joseph will work alongside the OU’s recently appointed executive vice president, Rabbi Moshe Hauer, in leading the organization.
Rabbi Dr. Joseph will be the senior professional leader, responsible for all aspects of OU programs and operations, other than OU Kosher, and will begin his work on Sept. 1.
Hauer, who began work on May 1, is the organization’s rabbinic leader, heading its communal-oriented efforts and serving as its professional religious/policy leader, and as primary spokesman.
The two will work together following the retirement of EVP emeritus Allen Fagin, who led the organization for the last six years.
Joseph joins the OU from Yeshiva University, where he served in a variety of roles over the last 16 years, most recently as senior vice president. In this position, he established and implemented strategic plans; managed the university’s operations; and played key roles in major initiatives such as the university’s response to the coronavirus. He received his Ed.D. in higher education management, focusing on business strategy, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in diplomatic history from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, as well as his Master of Arts in Jewish philosophy.
The rabbi lives in Lawrence, N.Y., with his family.
“When the board decided to bifurcate the responsibilities of the executive vice president last year, we had only hoped to find two outstanding individuals like Rabbi Hauer and Rabbi Dr. Joseph to be our new professional leaders, each coming to their posts with specific expertise, but together, forging a powerful team. We could not be more pleased,” said Orthodox Union president Moishe Bane. “Rabbi Dr. Joseph is one of North America’s foremost dynamic Jewish communal leaders who brings vision, leadership and a new energy to the role of chief professional officer. We are thrilled to have him on our team.”
“Rabbi Dr. Joseph’s reputation as a consummate professional and mensch precedes him, and I’m very excited about working in partnership with him as we look to further strengthen our OU family internally and our services and offerings to the broader Jewish community,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “The OU has an ambitious agenda at a trying time. Coronavirus, antisemitism and racial strife present communal, spiritual and emotional challenges and opportunities that we must be prepared to meet. Rabbi Dr. Joseph will be a terrific partner to work with on these and other priorities.”
“I am excited to share the leadership of the OU and help to build the organization for the future. I’m grateful to all those who helped me get here, including my family, and look forward to working with Moishe Bane, the entire executive committee and board, the exceptionally talented Rabbi Hauer, and the outstanding management team to position the OU for the future,” said Rabbi Dr. Joseph.
