United Synagogue chief executive Steven Wilson to step down

Steven Wilson has confirmed he is to stepping down as the United Synagogue’s chief executive next spring.

Dr Wilson, who joined the US in 2014 after leading the International Council for Science, said it had been “a huge honour to lead this inspiring organisation, working with such dedicated rabbis and rebbetzens, professional staff and local lay leaders.

“Their amazing work and achievements over these eight years for our community and beyond have been transformational.”

He said the timing of his decision to leave the US would allow him to “complete some of the key things that I want to get done before I go – and it gives the organisation an appropriate amount of time to recruit my successor”.

Wilson had led the US’s response to Covid and its reopening strategy as restrictions were lifted.

Under his leadership, the US has grown from 50 communities to 56, with new ones being seeded through the charity’s Communities of Potential programme.

He was also the helm of the Jewish Community Academy Trust schools’ network as well as being a keen supporter of the Centre for Rabbinic Excellence.

US president Michael Goldstein thanked Wilson for contributing to “significant positive change in the organisation.

“Steven was brought in to implement the strategic review,” said Goldstein.

“Since then, he has brought a clarity of vision and shared purpose to our work and has substantially strengthened our senior leadership team.

“The last two years, of course, have been defined by Covid-19. The United Synagogue reacted swiftly and decisively during this period and Steven was at the centre of the organisation’s response, analysing on a daily basis the changing statistics, the government guidance and what the scientists were saying.

“I have no doubt that his strong leadership at this time saved lives.”