NEW YORK, N.Y. –Steven J. Goldberg, a native of Waterford, has been named interim executive director of Young Judaea, as the youth movement shifts toward independence from Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, it was announced recently. Goldberg will begin in his new role on an interim basis starting August 1.

Steven J. Goldberg

Goldberg, currently director of Hadassah’s Executive Division as well as its Member and Unit Services Division, initiated the transfer last month after its national board voted to spin off Young Judaea, which has a host of programs under its auspices, including five summer camps and several Israel programs (WUJS Israel, Amirim, “To Israel Now” Birthright trips, and the college gap-year program, Year Course in Israel).
“Steve is the go-to guy for many, many of Hadassah’s top lay leaders across the entire country, and his influence and guidance have been critical to our organization,” said Hadassah National President Marcie Natan.  “It was very clear that this was an important move for him and that it would allow Hadassah to help get Young Judaea off to a great start. Steve is a strong leader, and Young Judaea is in good hands.”
Goldberg, who previously lived in Israel and worked at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, is charged with leading Young Judaea’s transition to independence while maintaining a strong partnership between the organizations.  Among the terms of the arrangement are three years of transition funding, a transfer of Young Judaea assets, and continued scholarship support going forward.
“Young Judaea is central to Hadassah’s values and ideals, and I am very excited to be a link that helps Hadassah continue its legacy with Zionist youth,” said Goldberg, 47, who has worked for Hadassah since 1997.  “I look forward to joining a remarkable team that will grow all of our programs with an eye on the future of the Jewish people.”
David Bechhofer, president of the Young Judaea founding board, said Goldberg’s successful track record of strengthening leadership infrastructure, improving governance, and providing executive management will be a vital asset to Young Judaea.   “Steve’s experience and leadership will allow Young Judaea to transition to independence quickly,” said Bechhofer.
In Goldberg’s numerous high-level positions at Hadassah, he has overseen national business operations over Hadassah’s 28 regions throughout North America.  He is recognized as spearheading a comprehensive new national business model for Hadassah to secure institutional and financial viability and quality program and product delivery to members and leaders.
Goldberg lives in New York City. He holds a degree in international relations with a concentration in cross-cultural negotiation from the University of Connecticut.