Paul Bernstein named Founding CEO of New Jewish Day School Org

New York, May 19, 2017 – The new Jewish day school organization (NewOrg) has selected Paul Bernstein as the organization’s founding Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bernstein will drive NewOrg’s mission of unifying and strengthening the Jewish day school field following the combination of five organizations currently serving the field nationally.

Mr. Bernstein brings a wealth of experience both in philanthropy and the commercial sector, having led and funded innovative high-impact organizations in the education and healthcare fields, among others. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of The Pershing Square Foundation (PSF) and as Global Managing Director of Absolute Return for Kids (ARK). An alumnus of the Rosh Pinah Day School in the United Kingdom, Mr. Bernstein’s lifelong commitment to Jewish day school education is today expressed through his children, who are students at Solomon Schechter School of Westchester.

“It is an honor and privilege to take part in this critical effort that will support a vibrant, visible, and connected day school field,” Mr. Bernstein said. “NewOrg creates an opportunity for day schools to play an even bigger role in securing the Jewish future. My immediate priorities are to spend time listening to and learning from a wide range of people who have an important stake in the Jewish day school field. I plan to work closely with the talented staffs of the founding organizations to build a world-class team, including top educational leaders, to serve and work with all schools across the denominational spectrum.”

The five founding organizations are moving forward with plans to combine in preparation for NewOrg’s launch this summer. Since the January announcement of the intention to form NewOrg, a board chair has been selected and the board is being expanded to include a range of outstanding community leaders committed to the Jewish day school field.

Additionally, NewOrg has recently received a $2 million grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation. This gift, together with a previously announced AVI CHAI Foundation grant, demonstrates the Foundations’ dedication to NewOrg’s mission and will be instrumental in ensuring its financial stability during its first two years of operations.

Several other initiatives are underway, such as the development of key programs and services, and the launch of the official NewOrg name and brand. Additional information on NewOrg and updates regarding its development, including extended bios for Paul Bernstein and members of the board, are available at www.newjdsorg.org.