World ORT announces the appointment of Dov Ben-Shimon as the global Jewish education organization’s new chief executive officer. He brings extensive experience from more than three decades of service to Israel and the Jewish world, including senior leadership roles across the non-profit and communal sectors.
Ben-Shimon previously served as CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey in the United States for a decade, following a distinguished career at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and other key organizations.
In his new role, he will be based in ORT’s New York office and will oversee ORT’s global network of programs and national organizations, driving the charity’s strategic vision and educational impact worldwide. At the same time, he will be leading its fundraising initiatives with a particular focus on the United States.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed the next CEO of World ORT, an organization with a profound and storied legacy spanning nearly 150 years,” he said. “This appointment is a true privilege, and I am excited to begin this journey with our students, educators, professionals, supporters and partners worldwide. ORT has always been at the forefront of innovation, adapting to the needs of the Jewish people and the world. I am proud to have visited many of its schools, programs and institutions during my career.”
He continued, saying that “the story of ORT is one of resilience, transformation and a steadfast belief in the power of education to create opportunity and build a better future. I am committed to upholding this powerful legacy. As we look ahead, we do so at a time of both great challenge and immense opportunity for our global Jewish community. The imperative to foster a strong and vibrant Jewish future is more urgent than ever. In this context, World ORT’s mission has never been more vital.”
Robert Grey, chair of World ORT, stated that “we are thrilled to welcome Dov as our new CEO. His leadership, vision and deep commitment to Jewish education and community life make him ideally suited to guide World ORT into its next chapter. Dov understands both the local and global dimensions of our work, and he brings a passion for innovation and inclusion that will strengthen ORT’s impact worldwide. We look forward to working with him as we continue to empower young people through education and opportunity.
He also bid farewell to current CEO Jim Lodge, who is retiring. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his outstanding service over the past year. A dedicated member of the ORT family for many years, both at World ORT and ORT America, we wish him every happiness and success in his retirement.”
Ben-Shimon’s distinguished career includes roles as director of strategic partnerships at the JDC, major gifts officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, director of Resources for the Israeli Reform Movement in Jerusalem, and Chargé d’Affaires (deputy ambassador) at the Israeli Embassy in Angola.
He served as assistant spokesman to former Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, and most recently, as interim CEO of the Community Security Service, a Jewish defense organization in the United States.
Born in England, Ben-Shimon moved to Israel at the age of 18. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in international relations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and served as both an Air Force rescue medic and infantry combat medic in the Israel Defense Forces. He has traveled extensively to Jewish communities around the world and has taught leadership, development and community-building in countries from Uzbekistan to Cuba, and from Ukraine to Hungary.
