In a pivotal moment for Chicago's Jewish community, Lonnie Nasatir has been named as President-Elect of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
He will assume the role of President on July 1, 2019.
Nasatir has served as the Anti-Defamation League's Regional Director of the Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest area since 2005. As ADL Regional Director, Nasatir has overseen the six-state Upper Midwest region, which is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.
"We are absolutely delighted with the stellar qualifications Lonnie brings to this role," said Michael H. Zaransky, JUF/Federation's Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, who chaired the search committee. "With an exceptional track record as a community leader, Lonnie will bring extraordinary vision, energy and commitment to bear in leading this Federation and our Chicago Jewish community."
Nasatir began his career as a prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, where he quickly became a lead attorney and a supervisor. Beginning in 1998, he next served as Deputy Administrator for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, Division of Child Support Enforcement. In 2003, Nasatir was appointed by the governor as the Administrator for the Division of Child Support Enforcement. As Administrator, he managed a budget of $225 million and led a Division of over 1,000 staff to record high collection and performance numbers.
The son of longtime JUF/Federation President Dr. Steven B. Nasatir, Lonnie Nasatir is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.
"To lead this singular institution that impacts the lives of so many is a privilege and a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Lonnie Nasatir. "I count myself as extremely fortunate to join a group of professional and lay leaders that is unrivaled throughout the country."
In June 2018, the JUF/Federation board appointed a volunteer-only search committee, chaired by Zaransky and comprised of every former chairman of the board, and other community leadership including longtime community leader Lester Crown. Representation from JUF's Women's Division and Young Leadership Division ensured a broad spectrum of perspectives. That search committee launched an intense and extensive national search for the new president.
"We interviewed dozens of exceptional candidates, and were thrilled with the caliber of leadership represented," Crown said. "Lonnie was simply the best of the best."
Andrew S. Hochberg, JUF/Federation Chairman of the Board, added: "A hallmark of Lonnie's leadership is his focus on engaging the next generation."
As Nasatir assumes the helm, the institution is in a position of strength and stability.
In partnership with volunteer leaders, Steven Nasatir has grown JUF/Federation into the hub of one of the largest humanitarian networks in the nation, serving over 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. His advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people have been the hallmarks of his Presidency.
"It is almost impossible to overstate the impact of Steve Nasatir's legacy," Crown said. "Just the fourth chief executive in the institution's 118-year history, he has guided our Chicago Jewish community through four decades of change, challenge, crisis and triumph. His leadership has been instrumental to building Jewish Chicago and putting this community in a position of unparalleled strength."
"We are just thrilled that Lonnie Nasatir will continue this proud legacy, ensuring that JUF continues to serve as a beacon of hope in Chicago, in Israel and around the world."
Additional information about the transition to a new president will be shared in the coming months.
