Posted on 12/21/15
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 17, 2015 – The Baltimore Jewish Council announced today that it has selected Howard Libit to become the organization’s new Executive Director.
Mr. Libit, who is currently the Public Affairs Chief and Director of Strategic Planning and Policy for the Mayor of Baltimore, will replace Dr. Arthur Abramson, who announced earlier this year that he is stepping down later this spring after more than 25 years.
“We believe that Howard’s leadership will ensure that the Baltimore Jewish Council will build on our region’s strong relationships while continuing to expand the Jewish community’s long record of accomplishments,” said Baltimore Jewish Council Board President Lainy LeBow-Sachs. “Art leaves with an impressive legacy, and our board is confident that Howard is the right choice to move the BJC forward.”
Mr. Libit participated in the BJC’s Leadership Development Program in 2009-10 and has served as a member of the BJC board ever since. For the past three years, Mr. Libit has served on the Executive Board and is currently the organization’s treasurer. Mr. Libit, his wife Jody, and their two children are members of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation.
“I am honored to be selected for this position and excited to have the opportunity to lead and to advocate for our community on many different levels,” Mr. Libit said. “I believe that the diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and I look forward to continue building bridges and emphasizing that our shared priorities and values are more significant than our differences.”
Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office a year ago, Mr. Libit was chief operating officer at Kearney O’Doherty Public Affairs, where he developed and implemented successful and award-winning communications strategies for Fortune 500 and non-profit clients on some of Maryland’s highest-profile political issues. Mr. Libit also spent 15 years as a reporter and editor at the Baltimore Sun. In his position as assistant managing editor for news, he directed award-winning local, national, foreign, business, and investigative coverage for print and online, supervising a team of 15 editors and 50 reporters. Mr. Libit grew up in Highland Park, Ill., and is a graduate of Stanford University.
To find Dr. Abramson’s replacement, the BJC board appointed a search committee to conduct a national search led by the Council’s First Vice President, Abba David Poliakoff.
Mr. Poliakoff noted, “We were delighted to be able to find a candidate who was right here among us as an already active member of the BJC and the greater Baltimore Jewish community. We are confident that Howard’s skill sets, and the experience he brings within our community and with our elected officials, will be great assets to the BJC.”
Mr. Libit is expected to begin the new position in May.