HIAS’ new CEO, Dr. Beth Oppenheim, appeared on the podcast Just For This, hosted by Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). On Just For This, Rabbi Hirsch interviews “women in leadership about women and leadership”. Inspired by the story of Esther, Rabbi Hirsch features “powerful stories of women who stand out in their fields, who have stepped up just for this moment”.
“I know I am standing in the shadow of giants who have stood before me,” said Oppenheim. “Not just the CEOs or leaders of HIAS, but the people who took a chance in getting on a boat or a plane going somewhere new, not knowing anyone, hoping they would be safe and hoping they would have welcoming arms on the other side. To me that’s where I see myself… in extending my arms and saying that I’m not afraid to welcome and I’m not afraid to see the humanity in another person.”
Beth Oppenheim is HIAS’ first female CEO in its over 120-year history. Oppenheim previously served as interim CEO and held key leadership roles at HIAS as Chief Advancement Officer and Chief External Relations Officer since joining the organization in 2023. She has 23 years of experience working in refugee resettlement and international development.
“I am in a field… that is led by women, but [women are] not necessarily in the CEO position,” said Oppenheim. “To sit here is humbling. It’s joyful. It lights a fire within me to make sure that I understand what that represents and the legacy I carry.”
Click here to listen to the full podcast and learn more about HIAS’ new CEO.
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