On June 5, 2023, Rutgers Hillel, the home of the largest Jewish college undergraduate population in the country, announced the selection of Lisa Harris Glass as its next chief executive officer. In her new role, Lisa will oversee Rutgers Hillel’s 11-member staff and lead the organization’s work that provides transformative Jewish experiences, award-winning programming, and a home away from home for Rutgers’ 6,400 Jewish undergraduates and 1,000-plus Jewish graduate students.
Lisa currently serves as the chief operating officer (COO) at Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ), which fosters a strong, collaborative, caring, and vibrant Jewish community in northern New Jersey, Israel, and abroad. Prior to her 13 years at JFNNJ, Lisa led operations in the mid-Atlantic for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, where she was responsible for 107 congregations, and served as executive director of Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, NJ.
Reflecting on the announcement, Lisa Harris Glass, incoming CEO of Rutgers Hillel, shared, “With gratitude for my experience at JFNNJ, I am enthused to continue advancing the same mission—strengthening our North Jersey Jewish community—as CEO of Rutgers Hillel. Jewish students represent the Jewish future, and I can’t wait to interact with the thousands of students Rutgers Hillel serves and partner with the team of dedicated staff and lay leaders that carry out its mission every day.”
Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Lisa to the Hillel family. Rutgers Hillel serves one of the largest Jewish student populations in North America, and Lisa’s leadership can ensure that Rutgers Hillel is engaging, inspiring and empowering each of those students on their Jewish and life journeys.”
Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ), added, “For years, I have seen Lisa Harris Glass’ determined leadership and motivation to help our Jewish community reach new heights. While we will undoubtedly miss her at Federation, I am excited to be working with her further as we create the next generation of Jewish community leaders and members. Lisa’s work will undoubtedly positively affect the collaborative work of the Garden State’s Jewry and ensure its continuity.”
Robert Kuchner, board president of Rutgers Hillel, said, “Our Search Committee undertook a robust process to identify the next leader of our Rutgers Hillel community. Lisa stood out for the breadth and depth of her experience, and her longstanding commitment to Jewish life in Northern Jersey, which she has supported professionally for more than two decades.”
Judith Harrison, incoming board president of Rutgers Hillel, added, “I’m inspired, and I’m confident our students will soon be inspired by Lisa’s dedicated leadership. We look forward to welcoming her to Rutgers Hillel, and seeing all she accomplishes leading our organization’s next chapter.”
For more information please visit https://rutgershillel.org.
