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The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester will see a change in leadership. CEO Meredith Dragon is leaving the area to be chief executive of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ., one of the largest and most prominent chapters in the federation system.
Dragon, who joined the local federation in 2016, will be executive vice president and CEO of the New Jersey organization.
In a newsletter, Dan Kinel, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, and Randy Schuster, first vice president, said Dragon led the organization through unprecedented growth and positioned it for the future.
In addition to setting records with fundraising, Dragon is credited with establishing the Levine Center to End Hate in 2018. The center focuses on addressing all forms of bias and helping the community overcome division and hate through education and dialogue.
Dragon is also known for her role in implementing the ROCStrong Safety & Security Campaign, which raised more than $5 million, and launching the Jay Birnbaum Leadership Development Program in 2023 to cultivate emerging Jewish leaders.
Kinel and Schuster pointed as well to her leadership following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in southern Israel by Hamas. The federation organized a community vigil that drew more than 1,000 people to Temple B’rith Kodesh in support of Israel.
“Thank you for standing in unity, thank you for being together,” Dragon said that evening. “We will need to continue to do this, to stand in unity together, solidly with Israel.”
She continues to advocate for understanding and unity through her messages to the community. When “Wanted” posters were plastered at the University of Rochester, Dragon stressed that the “fight against antisemitism cannot be just a Jewish issue; it is a fight for the dignity and safety of all marginalized groups.”
A search committee, chaired by former Federation president Rick Goldstein, is being formed to find Dragon’s replacement. Dragon is expected to stay in the Rochester area for a few months to assist with the transition.
“We are confident that, under Rick’s leadership and the guidance of the Search Committee, we will find a successor who can build upon the strong foundation Meredith has established,” the newsletter states.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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