In early September, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) announced that Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) has appointed nationally recognized Jewish philanthropic executive Melissa B. Greenbergas its new chief executive officer. Now, Greenberg is ready to dive into her work and make an impact.
“BGU is strategically positioned to help Israel make a difference on the global stage through the very values on which the state was founded,” she said. “The University embodies humanitarian ideals and the belief that a Jewish state can be a light unto the nations through its contributions to humanity, and by being home to a diverse and pluralistic campus community. This is the Israel that Americans, and the world, needs to see. I am tremendously honored to build upon A4BGU’s momentum by strengthening the philanthropic partnerships that fuel the University’s continued growth and impact.”
“BGU is strategically positioned to help Israel make a difference on the global stage through the very values on which the state was founded.” Melissa B. Greenberg
Greenberg is a veteran nonprofit fundraiser for Jewish organizations with ample experience in higher education as well. She served as vice president for institutional advancement and chief philanthropy officer at Hebrew Union College for the past four years. There, she led the institution’s global fundraising strategy, helping to boost philanthropic revenue by more than 300% over a four-year period. She also held positions at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and Temple University.
“This is a very exciting moment, not just for our colleagues and supporters in the United States, but for the entire global BGU community,” said BGU President Professor Daniel Chamovitz. “Melissa will not only lead our team in the U.S. but will build partnerships and bridges with our associates and supporters around the world as we work together to strengthen and advance the incredible work coming out of our university.”
Andrea Goren, chairman of the A4BGU board of directors, echoed a similar sentiment.
“Melissa is an exceptional leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to Israel make her uniquely qualified to lead Americans for Ben-Gurion University into its next era of growth,” she said. “She deeply understands both the transformative power of higher education and the extraordinary impact of Jewish philanthropy.”
Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) raises awareness of the university in the United States, as well as builds partnerships and secures fundraising. It holds events throughout the U.S. and in Israel for supporters and communicates the exciting work happening at the university in the medical, desert, and water research spaces.
BGU, which was founded in 1969, is one of the leading public research universities in Israel. It has about 20,000 students and campuses in Beersheva, Sde Boker, and Eilat, and offers programs in Engineering Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Management, and Desert Studies. The university is known for The Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, which is in the heart of the Negev Desert and is recognized by the United Nations as a global leader in desert research.
A4BGU promotes its programs to students in the U.S. and around the world. “This is an incredible time for students to come to our university,” Greenberg said. “It’s one of the most diverse universities in all of Israel. You will get the highest quality education here.”
During her first two months on the job, Greenberg has been meeting supporters all over the U.S., including in Baltimore, Palm Beach, New York, Miami, and Palo Alto.
“We have a great community in California, and many BGU alumni are in Los Angeles and throughout the state doing wonderful things,” she said.
In her new role, Greenberg is looking forward to connecting the university with local communities in the states and increasing support everywhere.
“At A4BGU, we are the bridge for people in America who want to be connected to and invested in this important work,” she said. “We are also supporting Israel in this moment. There is resilience and hope. This the Israel that Ben Gurion dreamed of. It’s embodied in BGU.”
