Gail Reiss Named CEO of American Friends of Tel Aviv University
Monday, January 3, 2011

Accomplished development executive recognized for major gifts and mega-events expertise

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) has selected Gail Reiss, a veteran development executive known for her strategic approach to donor engagement and cultivation, to lead the organization.

Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Reiss served as Vice President of UJA-Federation of New York's Philanthropic Leadership Group, where she led a staff of major gifts and research professionals. In that position, she designed and directed an effective new donor relationship model for enhanced resource development, proven successful in the organization's annual, capital, and planned giving campaigns. Her strategy-based program of donor engagement included major gifts missions to Israel, Europe, Argentina, the former Soviet Union, and Cuba.

"Gail is remarkable," says William F. Cohen, Chairman of AFTAU's Board of Directors. "Her skill set combines sophisticated analysis, management know-how, and a wealth of fundraising expertise. We are confident she'll bring an important new dimension to our organization and to the Tel Aviv University family."

Ms. Reiss joined UJA-Federation following a 13-year stint with United Jewish Communities, most recently as Senior Vice President, Development and Major Events, and earlier as Vice President, Campaign/Financial Resource Development.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Reiss held the post of Consultant in the licensing office of the United Nation's Children's Fund. She began her career in the non-profit sector at the United States Committee for UNICEF, serving as Program Coordinator for national organizations before joining the United Nations Association of the United States of America as National Program Director.

She holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University, a not-for-profit management certificate from the Columbia Business School, and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

"Tel Aviv University is an exciting, world-class institution," Ms. Reiss says. "I couldn't be more delighted to have the opportunity to work with TAU's intellectually sophisticated and cosmopolitan American Friends."