Jewish Federation Of Cleveland Picks New President

BEACHWOOD, OH — For only the fifth time in the organization's 115-year history, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has selected a new President. Erika Rudin-Luria will take over for Stephen Hoffman, starting January 1, 2019.

Rudin-Luria is currently the JFC's Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. She oversees the Federation's strategic planning, community development, allocations, governance and marketing functions.

“There is no greater honor or privilege than serving as the president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland,” said Rudin-Luria in a statement. “Cleveland is one of the strongest and most passionate Jewish communities in the world. Thanks to the city’s deep roots and strong civic pride, we are a community with tremendous opportunities for continued growth. I am excited to work even more closely with volunteer leadership, Federation staff, and our community partners to continue to create innovative solutions that impact people’s lives in Cleveland and throughout the world.”

Rudin-Luria joined the Federation in 2001. She started as a Supporting Foundations Manager, Endowment and Foundations. She has held a wide-range of jobs with the JFC during her career.

She got her Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Brandeis University. She received her Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University's School of Social Work and her Masters of Arts in Judaic Studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She and her husband live in Pepper Pike with their two sons.

“After conducting a thorough, national search, Erika was the clear and enthusiastic choice to lead the Federation into the next chapter of its storied history,” said Board Chair Gary L. Gross. “She is a seasoned leader, who possesses a keen insight into the challenges our community faces and the strategic thinking necessary to address them. The Board and I have no doubt that the organization will be in exceptionally skilled hands as we move with our integrated and inclusive growth plan.”

Rudin-Luria will be taking over for Stephen Hoffman, who was president of the Federation for nearly three and a half decades.

“It has been my distinct honor to have served the Jewish community in this role for close to 35 years,” said Hoffman. “I’m proud to have played a part in strengthening the meaningful impact the Jewish Federation of Cleveland has had both here and abroad over the years. It is extremely gratifying to see our volunteer leadership recognize the strength of the professional staff we have nurtured in Cleveland.
Erika is absolutely the ideal person to build upon the foundation my predecessors and I helped lay in Jewish Cleveland. I look forward to working closely with Gary and her over the coming months to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”

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Photo from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland