Jewish Federation is absolutely thrilled to announce Jay Lewis as the next President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City (more detail in the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle). Jay is a strategic and dynamic leader with a proven track record of transforming organizations and delivering results. Passionate about the Kansas City Jewish Community, he has an outstanding record of taking organizations to the next level.

Jay grew up in Kansas City and obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas. He went on to achieve his masters degree in Jewish Communal Service at Brandeis. Jay returned to KU and spent 15 years as KU Hillel Executive Director, transforming it into one of the most successful Hillel’s in the country. For the past 6 years, Jay has been working with Hillel International and is currently the Vice President and Lead Campus Support Director for North America.

In addition to managing the Campus Support Director team engaging Hillels across the country, Jay is a member of the Hillel International Senior Leadership Team. He also oversaw Hillel’s Israel Action and Anti-Semitism support team and Hillel’s Safety and Security Programs until a new Chief Engagement and Field support officer was hired just this month.

Starting early August 2023, Jay will work with Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, our Interim President and CEO, to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

We hope that you will be as excited as we are to start the next chapter of your Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City! I want to share a special thank you to the search committee for all of their incredible work to get us this point.

Beth Liss
Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City