WEST HARTFORD – Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford has appointed David Waren the organization’s next president and CEO. Waren is currently vice president of regional operations and advancement for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). He succeeds Howard Sovronsky, who is set to retire in June. 

“Our community is so fortunate to have David as our Federation’s next president and CEO,” said Cary Lakenbach, chair of Federation’s Board of Directors. “He has a deep understanding of the Jewish community both locally and globally and a commitment to our mission of protecting and enhancing Jewish life here and around the world.”

A West Hartford wnative, Waren has worked with ADL for the past 24 years, including positions as director of ADL’s Education Division and as a regional director in St. Louis and Connecticut. Prior to joining ADL, he served as an attorney with Tarlow, Levy & Droney, PC in Farmington and Chorches & Novack, PC in Wethersfield. 

“David brings more than 20 years of experience in the Jewish communal world, dealing with some of the toughest issues that face the Jewish people,” said Carolyn Gitlin, first vice chair of the Federation Board and co-chair of the Search Committee.

“Throughout this process, in getting to know David, we got a deep sense of how he will engage our community. He has an excellent presence and is genuinely warm and articulate. We believe we have found the right person with the vision to lead us,” added search committee co-chair and board member Jessica Fish.

Waren holds a B.A. in politics from Brandeis University and a J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law. He has also studied at Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School and at Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, both in Jerusalem. He will assume his duties as president and CEO on July 1.

Said Waren: “Having grown up here, I know what a great community this is and how important Federation is. Meeting vital social service needs, expanding innovative education initiatives and fostering collaboration and engagement within the Jewish community and more broadly within the Greater Hartford region has never been more necessary. With the support and guidance of outstanding leaders and a very talented staff, I’m confident that the Federation and our local institutions and programs will continue to grow and thrive.”