NEW YORK (JTA) – Misha Galperin is stepping down as CEO of the Jewish Agency’s overseas fundraising arm, Jewish Agency International Development.
Galperin announced his resignation several months ago, saying that after five years at the helm he wanted “to return to a simpler schedule, with less globe-trotting and more nightly dinners at the kitchen table.” Tuesday marked his final day at the organization. He will lead a new philanthropic consulting company he formed called Zandafi Philanthropy Advisors.
No announcement about a successor to Galperin has been made.
The Jewish Agency for Israel helps manage and encourage immigration and absorption to Israel and runs a variety of Zionist programs in Israel and overseas. Its $485 million annual budget is funded largely by the Jewish Federations of North America, some individual donors and program income, including programs the agency runs for the Israeli government. It is led in Israel by chairman Natan Sharansky and director general Alan Hoffmann.
Galperin, whose $750,000 pay package was the subject of some consternation among critics, previously worked as the chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. He also has served as chief operating officer of UJA-Federation of New York and worked for or managed such Jewish community institutions as the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, NYANA and The Educational Alliance.
