NEW YORK – The Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, has named Solly Hess as director of institutional advancement for the OU’s West Coast region.
In this role, Hess will be responsible for overseeing the coordination and direction of all development efforts for OU programs based on the West Coast. He will partner with community members, lay leaders and OU staff to develop new community engagement strategies and increase program funding and brand awareness throughout the region.
Hess joins the OU’s institutional advancement department after spending two years as the western states regional director for its Karasick Department of Synagogue & Community Services where he worked closely with rabbis and shuls on the West Coast.
“Solly is a dynamic communal professional with extensive experience in leadership development and community engagement. He will play a key role in identifying opportunities and building long-term strategic relationships that will help support the impactful work the OU is doing on the West Coast,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin.
“This new institutional advancement position on the West Coast will enable the Orthodox Union to expand activities and services in a crucial section of North America. Solly’s passion, commitment and reputation among community members is contagious and with God’s help will enhance the OU’s impact throughout the region,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane.
Prior to joining the OU, Hess served as the major gifts director at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Hess received his master of business administration degree from Pepperdine University and a bachelor of arts degree from Queens College.
He resides in Long Beach, CA with his wife Sasha and their three children.
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.