The Jewish Federations of North America are delighted to announce the appointment of Suzanne (Suzie) Patt Benvenisti as Vice President, Israel & Overseas.  In this position, Suzie will serve as the lead I&O professional in North America working closely with senior Federation leaders to strengthen knowledge about and commitment to Federation’s overseas agenda; manage ongoing relations with strategic partners; and be responsible for financial oversight and grant management related to Federation’s work overseas.
 

Suzie brings a distinguished record of leadership, strategic vision, and global engagement to JFNA. She recently concluded a transformative three-year tenure as Executive Director of Hadassah Offices in Israel, where she led a multidisciplinary team and represented Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, in its Israeli operations. Her leadership during and after October 7, 2023, was marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community, helping raise critical funds and launch impactful initiatives.
 
  
Her previous roles include serving as Director General of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, where she advanced the Center’s mission to inform public discourse and policy through rigorous research. Suzie also held senior positions in the U.S. health sector, including Director of Public Policy at Aetna, and has consulted for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations across the U.S., Israel, and Rwanda.
 
  
Suzie holds a master's in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor's in political science from Barnard College, Columbia University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
 
  
Her passion for strengthening Jewish communities and her global perspective make her an invaluable addition to JFNA’s leadership team. We are thrilled to welcome Suzie to this pivotal role and look forward to the energy and insight she will bring to our Israel & Overseas work. She will be based in Houston, Texas.