Work Avenue chief to step down after a decade at the helm

Work Avenue boss Shraga Zaltzman is to step down, after a decade at the helm of one of the community’s leading employment charities.

Trustees paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive for having “worked tirelessly” for the organisation, after they appointed successor Debbie Sheldon.

Zaltzman, who was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to enterprise and employment, will take up a senior position outside of the charity sector.

During his tenure at the helm of Work Avenue, the charity has helped about 8,000 people find jobs or set up on their own, and earlier in the year became the 32nd member of the Jewish Leadership Council.

Following news of his departure, Zaltzman, said he is “very proud” of the progress and results at Work Avenue during his tenure.

“It was my privilege to have led them in creating a charity that is able to help anyone at any stage to increase their earning potential.

He added, that he’s “very pleased that Debbie has agreed to succeed me as CEO. We have worked closely together over the past 10 years and I am confident that she is the right person to take Work Avenue to its next stage of development.

Sheldon, who is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Work Avenue, is a qualified teacher and counsellor. Reflecting on her new role, she said: “Having been with this wonderful organisation since its inception eleven years ago, I am delighted to have the opportunity of building on Shraga’s achievements.

“Work Avenue has become an integral part of the Jewish Community by helping to develop their businesses and secure gainful employment. Helping people to earn a living with dignity and pride is undoubtedly one of the most important things we can do together as a Community.

Chairman of the trustees of Work Avenue, Mark Morris, paid tribute to Shraga Zaltzman as having “worked tirelessly” for the organisation,