American Associates Ben-Gurion U. Names David Speer, Reg. Dir.

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) has promoted David Speer to regional director for its Washington/Baltimore region. For the past six years, he has served as associate director for the Washington/Baltimore region.

In his new position, Speer will be responsible for expanding the donor base for Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in the Baltimore and Washington regions, as well as implementing programs and events that raise awareness and visibility for the University’s role in spearheading development of the Negev and advancing academic and research excellence.

"David has demonstrated significant growth in fundraising and donor management skills, and we are pleased that he is ready to head the regional office as the former director, Keren Waranch, advances to a new role as vice president of regional operations," says AABGU Chief Executive Officer Doug Seserman.

Prior to joining AABGU in 2012, Speer was a case manager and intake coordinator at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County, New Jersey.

"I appreciate the recognition that I am now able to assume responsibility for the Washington/Baltimore region’s fundraising and programming initiatives," Speer says. "I am thankful for Keren’s training and mentoring and am looking forward to continuing to work with our incredible supporters and friends."

Speer has long been active in Jewish education, serving as a teen program teacher at the Bolton Street Synagogue and a teacher at the Netivon Hebrew High School at Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Baltimore. He is currently participating in the Young Leadership Council at The Associated.

Speer received a B.S. from the University of Vermont in 2009. He and his wife, Diana, live in Baltimore.

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.

AABGU is headquartered in Manhattan and has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, contact David Speer at (240) 482-4844, wash-balt@aabgu.org, or visit www.aabgu.org.