Tree of Life hires first chief of staff

Jackie Shimshoni Reese, the former manager at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, will serve as the new Tree of Life nonprofit’s inaugural chief of staff.

“I’m honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by Carole [Zawatsky] and the Tree of Life community as I embark on my journey in this new role,” Reese said in a prepared statement. “I understand the deep responsibility and significance of this role and look forward to serving our community. As we renew Tree of Life, I am excited to work collaboratively to create a sanctuary and site for education that is necessary for our mission to counter antisemitism. The future holds amazing opportunities and I cannot wait to get started.”

Reese is Zawatsky’s first hire since she assumed the role of Tree of Life’s CEO.

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As chief of staff, Reese “will manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, including supporting development efforts and the REMEMBER, RENEW, REBUILD. campaign,” according to a press release. Additionally, she will be “a public ambassador” for Tree of Life and work on facilitating community partnerships.

“I truly look forward to working alongside Jackie as we continue to build the reimagined Tree of Life,” Zawatsky said in a prepared statement. “She understands the importance of creating a safe space for our community and becoming a transformative force for peace and justice. As we stand at the crux of change, I am happy to have her on this journey of reimagining the Tree of Life, and empowering people from across the country to join the movement to counter antisemitism.”

Before being hired by Tree of Life, Reese worked at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh for five years, where she led efforts related to marketing, grant writing, exhibits, digital programming and assets. She also managed special educational projects, including the writing and designing of the CHUTZ-POW! Teacher’s Resource Guide. PJC