Penny Blumenstein of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan has been elected the 16th President of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization. Blumenstein, a noted global philanthropist dedicated to causes in Michigan, Israel, and around the world, has been a member of the JDC Board since 2002. She was confirmed at JDC’s recent Board Meeting, attended by top leaders from the Jewish and international NGO communities.
“As JDC continues to address some of the world’s toughest humanitarian challenges and ensures Jewish life is celebrated across the globe, we are proud to have Penny Blumenstein as our new President. Her vast Jewish and philanthropic leadership, especially when paired with her deep compassion and understanding, are critical to our mission today. ” said Steve Schwager, JDC’s Chief Executive Officer.
In addition to her work with JDC, Blumenstein is currently Chair of the Jewish Fund, a legacy of Sinai Hospital in Detroit; is on the Executive Committee of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; is a member of the West Bloomfield Board at the Henry Ford Health System; is a member of the Executive Committee at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan; and is a Board member of the national American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, as well as of the Detroit chapter. She previously served as President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Blumenstein and her husband, Harold, have three married children and twelve grandchildren.
“I’m honored to serve as President of JDC, an organization that in the most uncertain times guarantees that Jews in need and others facing crisis are cared for and enriched. Together with JDC’s Board of Directors and staff, I look forward to leading JDC towards its 100th anniversary by fulfilling our obligation to those for whom we are the only lifeline,” said Blumenstein.
