Feature Stories Latest

Cathrine Fischer Schwartz to step down as head of Hartford Federation

Special to the Ledger

 

Cathrine Fischer Schwartz

Cathrine Fischer Schwartz

WEST HARTFORD – Cathrine Fischer Schwartz, the longtime president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford (JFGH), announced on Tuesday, May 6 that she is resigning from her post and will depart in July to direct the Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation located in Boca Raton, Fla.

Schwartz began at the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford in 2001 as director of the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and was appointed Federation CEO in 2004.

“The Federation is the place where the challenges of the community are identified, discussed and addressed. In this regard especially, Cathy has been a wonderful asset to our organization and an agent for change,” said Robert K. Yass, chairman of the agency’s Board of Directors. “During her tenure, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford has created a stronger and more collaborative relationship with the Jewish Community Foundation, local synagogues, and the partners, programs and services we support.”

“She has reached out to populations outside the core of West Hartford and Bloomfield; built a state-of-the-art Community Services Building which houses four key local organizations on a community campus; finalized a Community Capital Campaign which raised $ 40 million; launched the Aim Chai initiative to secure our community’s future; piloted exciting new initiatives for the community, including the Big Tent initiative,  WOW!, Moishe House, One Happy Camper, Mitzvah Central, and Jessie’s Community Gardens; and developed a strong relationship between Connecticut businesses and the State of Israel,” continued Yass.

“My time at the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford has been the singular best experience in my professional life, full of exciting opportunities and experiences,” Schwartz said. “I want to thank the chairs with whom I have worked — Richard Rubenstein, Bradley Hoffman, Dane Kostin, Leigh Newman, Judy Schlossberg and currently Bob Yass — as well as the Board of Directors for allowing me the privilege to serve this incredible organization for more than a dozen years. I also want to thank our extremely dedicated staff and our community of donors whose passion and generosity contribute to the overall strength and vitality of the Greater Hartford Jewish community.”

Yass added, “While I am sorry to see Cathy leave, I recognize that this is a wonderful opportunity for her. We will find an appropriate way to thank Cathy for her dedication to our community in the near future. At the same time, I am confident we are well positioned to find another outstanding Chief Executive Officer.”

 

Cathy Schwartz will reflect on her time in Hartford and the future of Connecticut’s Jewish community in an exclusive interview in an upcoming edition of the Jewish Ledger.

SHARE
RELATED POSTS
Broadening the Discussion – The Ledger introduces an Editorial Advisory Board, and more
AT GOP convention, Jewish delegates cite Israel and style in backing Trump
West Hartford and New Haven JCCs among 18 Jewish institutions across U.S. targeted in second wave of bomb threats

Leave Your Reply