Linda Mirels Named President And Marc Rowan To Chair The Board
UJA-Federation of New York announced that Linda Mirels has been named president and Marc Rowan will serve as chair of the board. The appointments were approved by the Board of Directors and are effective July 1, 2023. Mirels and Rowan succeed the previous president, Amy A. B. Bressman, and the chair of the board, David Moore, whose terms concluded on June 30. UJA-Federation of New York is the largest local philanthropy in the world, helping 4.5 million people annually while funding a network of nonprofits, including social service organizations, Jewish institutions, and community agencies in New York, Israel, and 70 countries.
“With both great opportunities and challenges before us, we are incredibly grateful to welcome our new leadership team who, like those they succeed, have clear vision, strategic focus, and an unwavering commitment to the Jewish community,” said Jeff Schoenfeld, who headed the nominating committee and previously served as UJA president.
In their respective roles as president and chair, the top volunteer positions in the organization, Mirels and Rowan will work closely with CEO Eric S. Goldstein to guide UJA-Federation’s work.
“Having had the privilege of working with Linda when she previously served as UJA chair from 2013 to 2016, I’ve seen firsthand how she approaches every issue with intellectual rigor, a willingness to respectfully hear all sides, and singular vision,” Goldstein said. “Marc’s exceptional commitment to the Jewish community and our neighbors, combined with his renowned business leadership, will amplify UJA’s work around the world.”
Linda Mirels chairs a diversified global investment company with holdings in food distribution and real estate. Long involved with UJA, Linda served as chair of the board and is an honorary lifetime member of the board. In addition, Linda serves on the Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee and the Metropolitan Opera of New York, and she advises her family foundation. Born in South Africa, Linda spent her formative years in Swaziland, now Eswatini, and she maintains a deep connection to both nations.
“I’ve worked shoulder to shoulder with UJA’s dedicated staff and nonprofit partners for years and have seen their tireless work on behalf of our community,” said Mirels. “Now, in the face of rising anti-Semitism, we are uniquely positioned with our expertise and resources to respond. At the same time, UJA will also pursue transformational opportunities that shape the Jewish future. I’m grateful to the staff for their efforts and to the board for giving me the opportunity to lead the organization.”
Marc Rowan is co-founder and chief executive officer of Apollo Global Management and has been actively involved in philanthropy throughout his career. Marc co-founded Youth Renewal Fund in 1989 and serves as vice chair of Darca Schools, which operates and manages schools in underserved communities in Israel. He is an Executive Committee member and lead benefactor of the Civil Society Fellowship. He has long been focused on combating anti-Semitism and was a founding supporter of UJA’s Community Security Initiative (CSI), created by UJA and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. Marc currently is chair of the Board of Advisors of the Wharton School.
Rowan said, “UJA is a tremendous organization that cares for people in need in the most personal of ways, at scale. They have built a global platform with an unparalleled ability to swiftly support communities in times of crisis and have the unique ability to be a force multiplier in responding to issues ranging from poverty to mental health to supporting refugees. I am excited to help build on their great work and create even more connections across the world for the benefit of our communities.”