WASHINGTON (JTA) — The National Jewish Democratic Council named David Harris its new president.
As part of a change in leadership structure, Harris will become president of the organization in July, while NJDC executive director Ira Forman has been named chief executive officer effective immediately. Harris served as deputy executive director of the organization for seven years, before spending the last three years as executive director of the Israel on Campus Coalition.
The two men will share responsibilities and leadership duties at the organization, which has raised its profile in the wake of Barack Obama’s election last fall. The move is unrelated to Forman’s health; discussions about Harris’ return were underway before Forman suffered a heart attack in March.
"As we approached 2009, we thought long and hard how NJDC can meet the demands of this new era,” said Forman in the press release announcing the move. “Our board leadership and I agreed that we needed to add additional executive resources to the organization and it became apparent that David was the obvious answer to our needs."
"I am excited about where President Obama is leading the United States and thrilled to be a part of this collaborative leadership model that will enable the NJDC to assist the Democratic Party in reforming and energizing American government in the 21st Century,” said Harris in the release.
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