Lee Ann Besser to retire from NCJWA
Lee Ann Basser has announced that she will be stepping down as CEO of NCJWA Vic at the end of this year as she moves towards retirement.
Lee Ann Basser
Lee Ann has given an extended notice period in order to avoid any disruption to the organisation that could impact either the staff or the program participants and to ensure an orderly transition period during this particularly difficult period of the COVID-19 crisis.
The President, Miriam Bass, said that the board really appreciated the unusually long period of time that Lee Ann had given the organisation as it allowed them ample time to look for the right person to steer NCJWA Vic in the next phase of its development. Having just completed a new five year Strategic Plan, the next CEO will be able to oversee its implementation to achieve the key goals of extending the organisation’s reach and growing the programs.
Miriam said: “Lee Ann has been with the organisation for four years and in that time has made a discernible difference. She has been instrumental in driving the growth of the organisation, raising its profile and developing an amazing team of staff.”
Some of her specific achievements include tripling our fundraising, dramatically improving the quality of our speakers and programs and significantly growing our social media profile. She will be greatly missed by all the staff, volunteers, program participants and the board who she has worked so closely with during her time at the NCJWA Vic.”
In addition, Lee Ann has shown remarkable leadership during the COVID crisis and, together with her wonderful team, has found innovative ways to keep the NCJWA Vic programs operating. She took strong and decisive action and with the help of technology and some creative thinking has been able to support and keep people connected.
When asked to look back at her four years at the helm of NCJWA Vic, Lee Ann commented: “NCJWA Vic has a proud history of serving women and girls in the Jewish and broader communities. I take immense pride in having lead the organisation over the last four years and witnessing its transformation into a women’s organisation for the 21st century and a voice for Jewish women in Victoria. This transformation has been a team effort with the Board, staff, volunteers and our supporters. I will step down from my current role at the end of the year and join the ranks of the supporters of NCJWA Vic”
Miriam Bass added: “Recruitment for a new CEO has commenced. We are looking for an exceptional leader who can continue to build on the work that Lee Ann has done and drive the growth of the organisation over the next five years.”
