Head of School at The Leffell School, Kay Will Assume Role on October 5, 2026

The Board of Directors of UJA-Federation of New York has named Dr. Michael A. Kay as its new Chief Executive Officer, with the decision earning unanimous board support. Kay will step into the position on October 5, 2026, following Eric S. Goldstein, who has served as CEO for 12 years.

For the past 13 years, Kay has led The Leffell School - previously known as the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester - elevating it to one of the top multidenominational K-12 Jewish day schools in the country. He fostered unity across divides via thoughtful discussions, creating a nonpartisan environment focused on superior academics, increased student numbers, and bolstered fundraising, aided by UJA's Day School Challenge Fund. His strategic insight, sharp intellect, and approachable demeanor position him perfectly to guide UJA forward.

Kay earned a magna cum laude degree from Harvard College and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Jewish Studies from New York University, with his dissertation examining leadership and community development in diverse Jewish settings. He previously held roles as Upper School Principal and Director of Judaic Studies at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Maryland. Kay also serves as a key lay leader at Temple Israel Center of White Plains.

Linda Mirels, UJA-Federation President, stated: "From the very outset of our search, Michael distinguished himself as a singular and compelling leader - a truly original thinker whose intellect, moral seriousness, and vision for Jewish life set him apart. He is an eloquent and persuasive communicator with a long record of inspiring the next generation of proud Jews and Zionists. The work ahead is real - strengthening Jewish identity and pride, deepening commitment to Israel, confronting rising antisemitism, and caring for global Jewry and New Yorkers in need. Michael is the leader our community needs for the work ahead."

Marc Rowan, UJA-Federation Chair of the Board, remarked: "Michael is the right leader for this defining moment. He is battle-tested - unflappable under pressure and willing to take on the most pressing challenges facing our community, from the safety and security of the Jewish people to the urgent work of strengthening Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. He is uniquely ready to be our community's lead convener, defender of Jewish life, and steadfast supporter of Israel while advancing UJA's enduring mission. We are deeply grateful to Eric S. Goldstein, whose 12 years of leadership leave UJA in a position of strength as we look to the future."

Dr. Michael Kay commented: "This is a moment of both profound challenge and unique promise for the Jewish people. I step into this role with humility, and with a deep desire to listen and learn - motivated by the conviction that we are witnessing an unparalleled resurgence in Jewish commitment under difficult circumstances, and that we have an obligation to nurture it. Working together, we will reimagine how we engage the next generation, deepen our partnership with Israel, and mobilize the full breadth of Jewish communal wisdom to address the defining questions of the present and craft the Jewish life of the future."

Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation, noted: "It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead UJA-Federation. Michael has proven throughout his career an ability to bring the full spectrum of our community together, building trust across differences and harnessing our diversity as a source of strength. That experience will be invaluable to UJA's next chapter. I am confident that under Michael's leadership UJA will continue to lead the Jewish community with strength and purpose."

Michael Leffell, Lifetime Honorary Trustee and Past President of The Leffell School, said: "Michael's ability to inspire, unify, and move an organization and community forward is rare and invaluable. The demands of running a school have shaped him into a strong, resilient leader who is deeply respected and beloved by students, faculty, parents, alumni, and the wider community. After decades of close involvement with both UJA and The Leffell School, I can think of no one better to lead UJA forward. The New York Jewish community is extraordinarily fortunate to have him."

The 14-member search committee, chaired by Mirels and assisted by global firm Heidrick & Struggles, selected Kay unanimously. Members included Amy A. B. Bressman, Dorit Corwin, Alisa R. Doctoroff, Linda Mirels, David L. Moore, Joshua L. Nash, Michael E. Olshan, Suzanne F. Peck, Marc Rowan, Jeffrey A. Schoenfeld, Jodi J. Schwartz, John M. Shapiro, Merryl H. Tisch, and David H. Wasserman. Over 40 candidates were reviewed.

Kay resides in White Plains, New York, with his wife, Rachel Kay, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at the Hearst Corporation, and their two children. The family actively participates at Temple Israel Center of White Plains.

Since taking the helm in 2014, Goldstein has steered UJA through major trials - including global crises, the events of October 7, surging antisemitism, and heightened community demands - while fortifying its finances and programs. He remains in the role until October 4.

Mirels and Rowan will end their three-year terms as President and Board Chair on June 30, 2026, per UJA's governance schedule. Suzanne Peck will succeed as President, and David Wasserman as Board Chair; both participated in the search.

About UJA-Federation of New York
Partnering with hundreds of nonprofits, UJA impacts lives from New York to Israel and nearly 70 countries, reaching 5.5 million people. It supports Jews worldwide and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, addresses crises near and far, and builds a vibrant Jewish future. In fiscal year 2025, UJA granted about $275 million and raised $316.1 million. It has spearheaded global aid to Israel, distributing over $330 million since October 7, 2023.

SOURCE UJA-Federation of New York