Catherine Schneider Named Vice President for Advancement & Chief Development Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2019

Contact: Joanna Gerber

Vice President, Communications & Marketing

jgerberaju.edu

(310) 440-1529

American Jewish University Names Catherine Schneider as Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer

Los Angeles, CA – February 6, 2019 – American Jewish University (AJU) is pleased to announce the

appointment of Catherine Schneider as the university’s next Vice President for Advancement and Chief

Development Officer. Schneider is a seasoned fundraising and nonprofit professional, with over twenty years

experience transforming organizations through development, stewardship and community relations.

Ms. Schneider was selected after a highly competitive national search and will join AJU officially on

February 28, 2019.

“We are delighted that Catherine will be joining American Jewish University. She is a highly respected and

distinguished professional, and extremely well-known throughout the Los Angeles Jewish community,” said

Jeffrey Herbst, President of AJU. “Catherine will be critical to helping develop American Jewish University into

a national center for teaching and research based on Jewish principles and ethics.”

Ms. Schneider, herself an AJU graduate with an MBA from the Graduate School of Nonprofit Management, is

currently the Executive Vice President, Donor Experience at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. In

this capacity, she worked closely with Federation leadership to amplify the mission of the organization and

grow the depth of donor commitment through successful annual campaigns, events and giving communities.

“I am thrilled to be coming home to the AJU,” said Catherine Schneider. “I look forward to working with the

President, Board, faculty and entire AJU community to support and expand upon the University’s legacy and

vision for a vibrant and inclusive community of learning.”

During her tenure at The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Schneider also held the positions of

Associate Chief Development Officer, focused on leading annual campaign fundraising efforts totaling $35

million per year, as well a six-year stint as the Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Community

Engagement. Prior to her time at the Federation, she held leadership and development roles at the American

Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Progressive Jewish Alliance, and Beit T’Shuvah.

As Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer for American Jewish University, Ms.

Schneider will partner closely with AJU’s president, board and senior leadership to enhance a culture of

philanthropy and build a comprehensive best-practice advancement operation, enabling the institution’s

continued record of service to the community. She will also play a leadership role in communicating AJU’s

unique mission to a broader donor audience, highlighting the institution’s multifaceted vision and enhanced

relevance in the surrounding community and beyond.

In addition to an MBA from American Jewish University, Schneider also holds a BA from University of

California, Berkeley. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and Development Committee of B’nai

David Judea Congregation.

More information on American Jewish University and its leadership can be found online at

www.aju.edu/about.

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