FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2023 

Gather, Inc. Names Michelle Shapiro Abraham as New CEO

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 2023 – Gather, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Michelle Shapiro Abraham as its new Chief Executive Officer. Shapiro Abraham - who currently serves as the Executive Director of Strategic Innovation and Program for the Union for Reform Judaism - will join Gather, Inc. on November 27, 2023, to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. 

“Following an intensive six-month search, which involved the consideration of nearly 300 candidates, we have found the perfect match for our organization in Michelle. Michelle brings a deep understanding of building a national platform, kindling people’s connection to their Judaism, and fostering strong community bonds. Her warmth and authenticity shine through in all her interactions. We are thrilled to have Michelle lead the Gather, Inc. team,” says Kevin Berman, Chair of the Board.

Shapiro Abraham has been a trailblazer in the field of Jewish organizational leadership for over twenty years. Her work explores the intersection of community organizing and relational strategizing as a way to reimagine Jewish leadership, communal power, and individual thriving. In her role as Executive Director of Strategic Innovation and Program for the Union for Reform Judaism Shapiro Abraham oversees the Reform Movement’s teen strategies, Israel Immersives, and system-wide camp initiatives. A longtime educator, author, and consultant for camps, congregations, and Jewish organizations, she holds a Master’s Degree and an honorary Doctorate in Jewish Education from the Rhea Hirsch School of Education at HUC-JIR. Shapiro Abraham is a PJ Library and Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award author and the recipient of the 2015 Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the Gather Inc. team and am looking forward to furthering the work of the amazing staff and lay leaders. It is a great blessing to get to work with an organization that truly centers individual relationships and builds community out from those sacred connections.  I look forward to helping Gather, Inc. grow in the years to come and deepen their impact on the Jewish world,“ says Shapiro Abraham.

As Shapiro Abraham takes the reins in November, Gather, Inc. is confident that her vision, strategic acumen, and passion for the mission will drive and deepen the organization’s work to transform Jewish organizations and communities through the power of relationships. 

Gather, Inc. thanks Jackie Zais for her dedication and hard work as Interim CEO during this transitional period. The organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to the search committee and Sarah Raful Whinston of DRG Associates for organizing and executing this search. Gather, Inc. is also grateful for the ongoing support of its stakeholders. 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Jackie Zais, Interim CEO/Chief of Staff

jackiez@gatherbetter.org

617-680-7386

ABOUT GATHER, INC.

Gather, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization committed to helping more people realize the Jewish life they seek. We do this by reorienting how Jewish professionals and organizations define success: the depth and breadth of the relationships they build with and among their community members. For more information, visit www.gatherbetter.org.