Chicago-based Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership has announced a trio of executive leadership transitions. Dr. Hal M. Lewis will step down from his role as President and CEO after ten years in the position and 15 years at the Institute, effective June 30, 2018. He will continue his association in a new part-time role as Chancellor.

Lewis will be succeeded by Dr. Dean P. Bell, current Provost and Vice President and a 24-year Spertus veteran. Also announced is the recent hiring of Dr. Keren E. Fraiman as Dean and Chief Academic Officer.

During his tenure as Spertus President and CEO, he literally put the “leadership” in “Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership” with the 2012 name change highlighting the increasing programmatic depth and geographic reach of the organization’s Center for Jewish Leadership. The Center, established in 2014, provides essential leadership training for those who serve Jewish organizations worldwide.

As an educator, Dr. Lewis leaves a sweeping legacy of leadership, having taught staff, students, and lay leaders from more than 200 organizations around the world. Dr. Lewis, who publishes and presents internationally about leadership, is the author of two books: Models and Meanings in the History of Jewish Leadership and From Sanctuary to Boardroom: A Jewish Approach to Leadership. He has been a regular contributor to eJewishPhilanthropy.

Dr. Dean P. Bell has worked with Spertus Institute in varying capacities since 1994. Since becoming Provost and Vice President in 2014, his portfolio has included working with trustees and donors as well as overseeing Spertus Institute’s academic and public programming, institutional development, and finance. Prior to 2014, he served as Spertus Institute’s Dean and Chief Academic Officer. He oversaw Spertus Institute’s long-running graduate program in Jewish Studies as well as the Center for Jewish Leadership.

Rounding out Spertus Institute’s leadership transitions, Dr. Keren E. Fraiman joins the Spertus staff as Dean and Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Fraiman comes to Spertus from the iCenter for Israel Education, where she served as its Director of Research and Evaluation and will continue to serve on the faculty of its Master’s Concentration in Israel Education.