JDC CEO Alan Gill will step down from his position in 2016. Photo: JDC.

JNS.org – American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) CEO Alan H. Gill on Thursday announced that he will step down from his position in 2016 after more than 20 years in different capacities with the Jewish aid organization that works in more than 70 countries.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life that for more than two decades, JDC has been my second home and the main driver of my core belief that all Jews are responsible for one another. I came to the decision that by next year, we will have achieved many of the critical milestones I set out to accomplish and it is the right time to return to Israel and my family there,” Gill said in a statement.

As CEO of JDC, Gill oversaw the organization’s efforts to help Jewish communities facing financial and social crises, as well as antisemitism, in Europe and countries of the former Soviet Union. He also oversaw JDC’s humanization response in Israel during last summer’s war in Gaza. His leadership also contributed to a growth in the involvement of many young Jews in responding to humanitarian disasters around the world.

“When I was named CEO in November 2012, it was already clear that JDC was facing an era of historic uncertainty given the multitude of crises facing the Jewish people and Israel. True to our history, we have vigorously responded to these challenges….We have more to do and I look forward to continuing this vital work in the time I remain at the helm of JDC,” Gill said.

JDC President Penny Blumenstein and president-elect Stanley Rabin said, “Alan has done an extraordinary job of bolstering JDC’s enduring mission during his time as CEO, executing a clear vision and focused plan to strengthen Jewish communities, Israel, and our organization at this critical juncture in our history. While we knew the day would come that he would return to Israel, we know JDC and the Jewish world are better for his talents and all he does every day to infuse this crucial Jewish community leadership role with passionate dedication. Today we are better prepared for the future because Alan ushered in a new generation of top-flight professional leadership at JDC who will lead our organization in the critical years ahead.”