Oregon Jewish Community Foundation Names a New Leader for the Future

Portland, OR. The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation (OJCF) announced that David Forman has been named President and CEO of the organization, effective January 1, 2022. Forman was selected after a nationwide search. He currently sits on the OJCF Executive Committee.

Forman explained, “The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation aligns with my passion and my commitment to our community. After all my experience as a volunteer in our Jewish community, I now have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience to help write the next chapter of the foundation story and the community at large.”

Founded in 1989, OJCF’s mission is to build and promote a culture of giving in Oregon and Southwest Washington to support a thriving Jewish community now and for generations to come. OJCF’s vision is a world in which all Jewish people practice tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing or improving the world. The Foundation helps individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic goals through charitable giving. Last year the Foundation granted nearly $6.5 million to more than 400 organizations.

Forman brings more than 30 years of experience as an attorney to OJCF and is the Chair of the Corporate Finance and Transactions Practice Group as a partner at Tonkon Torp, LLP. He has served on the board of OJCF since 2014, joining the executive committee in 2018.

Forman succeeds the late Julie Diamond, who led the organization for more than ten years, and retired June 30 while battling cancer. She passed away in August.

“I am blessed to have had my predecessor be Julie Diamond. I am following someone who made an amazing difference, who made a huge contribution to this community. And, if I’m doing it right, I’m honoring Julie,” said Forman.

“Our board of directors is thrilled to introduce David Forman as our new CEO,” said Josh Frankel, Board Chair at OJCF. “After an extensive search, it was evident to our hiring committee that David was the best person to lead the Foundation and sustain and strengthen the legacy of long-time CEO, Julie Diamond. David’s goal is not to replace Julie as CEO but rather he aspires to help us write the next chapter for OJCF. David possesses the experience, qualifications and passion to grow OJCF into an even greater, more successful organization. We are kvelling over David as our new CEO.”

Leaders in the Jewish community of Portland and SW Washington enthusiastically welcome Forman in his new role as President and CEO of OJCF. “David Forman is a ‘community-first’ person. I experienced this firsthand when he was Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation. I very much look forward to partnering with David in his new professional role within the Jewish community, and the opportunity for greater collaboration going forward,” said Marc Blattner, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland.

From: Oregon Jewish Community Foundation

Founded in 1989, OJCF’s mission is to build and promote a culture of giving in Oregon and Southwest Washington that supports a thriving Jewish community now and for generations to come. 

OJCF’s vision is a world in which all Jewish people practice tikkun olam.

The Foundation helps individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic goals through the most tax-advantaged approaches to charitable giving. As the community’s partner in the region, OJCF provides sophisticated giving opportunities and exciting programs expressing the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).  Photo by Naim Hasan Photography