NJDC Expands; David A. Harris Joins as President, Ira N. Forman to be Chief Executive Officer

WASHINGTON, DC - As part of an organizational expansion, David A. Harris has joined the staff of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) as President. Harris, who previously served as NJDC’s Deputy Executive Director for seven years and most recently served as Executive Director of the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) for three years, started at NJDC late last week.

“I am looking forward to helping address the many great challenges and opportunities for our community and our country. NJDC will continue to work with President Barack Obama’s administration and our Democratic congressional leadership to ensure the issues of the Jewish community are a priority for the highest levels of our government,” said Harris.

“The President has made an unprecedented effort to engage with Jewish leaders and has made clear that he is a true friend of the Jewish people. We remain committed to educating the Jewish community about the policy positions taken by the leaders of the Democratic Party - the positions with which a clear majority of American Jews agree.”

The hiring of Harris is part of a new organizational structure to expand NJDC and strengthen its professional staff. NJDC has named current Executive Director Ira N. Forman to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“David brings an unparalleled depth of passion and a personal understanding of NJDC’s mission. No other individual is better suited to continue NJDC’s growth into one of our country’s leading political and Jewish voices,” said Forman. “I am honored to work beside a dear friend and top Jewish professional as we lead this organization together.”

As the Executive Director of the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC) for the past three years, Harris successfully led and expanded the organization - a partnership of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, in cooperation with a network of thirty-three national organizations and nine regional affiliates - as it promoted Israel education and advocacy on college campuses around the country.

Before leading the ICC and serving as Deputy Executive Director at NJDC for the previous seven years, Harris served as the Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the American Jewish Congress; as the Washington Representative for the Israel Policy Forum; and as a congressional campaign manager during the 1992 campaign cycle, among other positions.

Harris received a B.A. in political science, Jewish studies, and economics from Washington University in St. Louis. He has also completed the Legislative Studies Institute, a graduate program affiliated with Columbia University focusing on congressional procedure and policy making.