Rabbi Strear to Leave AJU

After spending 23 years at American Jewish University (AJU), Rabbi Jay Strear is leaving the university to become president and CEO of JEWISHcolorado.

JEWISHcolorado announced the move in a press release on May 4, stating that Strear will be returning to his roots in Denver, the place he grew up.

“Rabbi Strear brings the skills, experience and background we’ve been looking for in JEWISHcolorado’s next CEO,” Diana Zeff Anderson, the board chair of JEWISHcolorado, said in a statement. “He is a dedicated Jewish community professional who is passionate and excited about his work. He leads with kindness, and brings his wealth of Jewish knowledge, as well as his rich experience in fundraising and management, to everything he does.”

Strear wrote in his letter of acceptance, “I take great pride in my long record of loyalty and integrity, an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, and a deeply felt sense of connection with, and historical ties to, the Denver Jewish Community. I am humbled to partner with you and JEWISHcolorado in honoring its history, while leading the community into its dynamic future.”

Strear had served in various positions at AJU, mainly working of the board of directors to secure gift and work on mergers and acquisitions.