Carole Zawatsky

CEO

Carole Zawatsky is a leading figure in arts, culture and nonprofit management with more than 30 years experience in the Jewish communal world. She specializes in creating and implementing dynamic partnerships between the philanthropic community and the institutions she serves to cultivate strong, impactful organizations. Over her career, she’s raised nearly $100 million, including several multimillion dollar gifts.

As the inaugural CEO of the reimagined Tree of Life, Carole will oversee the public launch of the new institution dedicated to ending antisemitism and lay the groundwork for its long-term success, a role she’s filled a number of times throughout her career. She will also oversee the rebuilding of the structure at the corner of Shady and Wilkins Avenues in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, and lead the development of Tree of Life’s programming and exhibitions, as well as finalize the merger of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh into the new organization.

Carole served as CEO of the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC) in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2020. In that role she raised more than $3 million annually and over $21 million for a capital campaign to support the complete renovation of its historic 65,000 square foot building. During her nine year tenure at the EDCJCC, she brought national recognition to the Center, expanding its reputation as a premier space for art and culture, thereby driving growth in all of its programming areas. After concluding her tenure at the EDCJCC, Carole served as chief advancement and strategy officer for the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.

She also previously held senior positions at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio, the Jewish Museum in New York, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. She began her career at the Skirball Museum at Hebrew Union College and the J. Paul Getty Museum in California.

Carole’s broad experience has also made her a sought after consultant to Jewish institutions and within academia, including the World Union for Progressive Judaism and the Georgetown University Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics.

Carole holds a Master of Arts Degree in museum education from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in art history from the University of Maryland. She has also studied at the Study Centre for the Fine and Decorative Arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

  • Global Council for Jewish Museums 2021, Hosted Online by Council of American Jewish Museums with Association of European Jewish Museums. “UPHEAVAL”

    Panelist, April 27, 2021

    Shared information and insights during, “How We Talk About Israel: A Conversation Between Author Meir Shalev and Carole Zawatsky.” Focused on the history and culture of Israel as essential to key narratives explored within Jewish museum exhibits and programs. Keenly analyzed how such topics often are derailed in in public-facing venues by pressures and politics. Explored ways to reframe contemporary dialog around Israel and social inequality without diminishing love of the land or belief in the state. Presented new approaches and viewpoints to expand museum exercise surrounding Israel.


    Council of American Jewish Museums Annual Conference 2020 Dallas, Texas. “Museums 2020: Essential Conversations”

    Identified and explored some of the most vital, difficult, and essential conversations for Jewish museums as natural centers for the understanding and exploration of today’s critical issues – including religion, immigration, persecution, antisemitism, human rights, justice, and America’s complex narratives. Discussed the roles museum stakeholders can realistically play in public discourse and public life … the responsibilities and challenges we might face in the year ahead … and the special resources and skillsets we have for making meaning in today’s world.

    In Conversation with Fred Wasserman

    IN CONTEXT OF OUR MUSEUM NARRATIVES

    Different types of Jewish museums employ different approaches to antisemitism. Given the missions, storylines, and priorities of our museums—how does antisemitism operate within those frameworks? What assumptions, perspectives, and institutional biases do we bring to our education programs, and how might these affect our presentation of antisemitism? This session set up questions and dilemmas, highlighted examples, and allowed participants to explore these through a writing exercise.

    In Conversation with Deborah Lipstadt

    A FRAMEWORK FOR ANTISEMITISM

    This conversation with historian Deborah Lipstadt shed light on antisemitism and its evolution—from its global roots, to classic tropes, nomenclature, and how we recognize it. The session provided a theoretical and structural framework for comprehending antisemitism and prepared attendees to better navigate contemporary issues.


    US Premiere From Slavery to Freedom, AFI Silver Theatre, Bethesda, MD

    Moderator, May 2019

    From Slavery to Freedom portrays the story of Soviet ‘Refuseniks’ through the prism of Natan Sharansky’s biography. In 1977, Sharansky, a famous human rights activist, was arrested on charges of spying for the USA, treason, and anti-Soviet agitation.

    In Conversation with film subject Natan Sharansky and Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer

    Focused discussion and reflections on the Soviet populace’s overwhelming sense of fear and insecurity in the face of the system. Included reflections on Sharansky’s personal struggle for freedom in pursuit of national identification along with Dermer’s insights on how this paved the way for all of Soviet Jewry.

    American Association of Museums Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA

    ‘Museums without Borders’ Event Presenter 2010

    Speaker: “Cultural/Community Museums: in Flux, Here and There” along with Marco Barrera Bassols, Former Director, the National Mexican Museum of Natural History; Lisa Sasaki, Director of Program Development, Japanese American National Museum and Selma Holo, Fisher Museum of Art.

    Respondent: “Managing Controversy” along with Kinshasha Holman Conwill, Deputy Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture; Tim DuRoche, Community Programs Manager, Portland Center Stage; and Chris Komai, Public Information Center, Japanese American National Museum.


    Council of Jewish Museums Annual Conference, Los Angeles, CA

    Panel Presenter, 2010

    “Cultural Institutions Defining Jewish Life in the San Francisco Bay Area” and “(Not So) New Portals to Jewish Culture: Synagogues, Community Centers and Schools Show the Numbers.”


    Sh’ma: A Journal of Jewish Responsibility, San Francisco, CA

    Panel Presenter, 2010

    “Exploring the Boundaries of Pluralistic Dialogue and Engagement.”


    The Israeli Presidential Conference: Facing Tomorrow

    Delegate, 2008

    Represented at this international conference of political and religious leaders, thinkers and prominent professionals convened by Israeli President Shimon Peres to discuss and propose ways to help the Jewish People in Israel and abroad prepare for the future.


    American Association of Museums Annual Meeting, Portland, OR

    Session Coordinator and Panelist, 2003

    Conceptualized and participated on panel entitled "Exhibiting Difficult Matter: An Opportunity for Civic Dialogue." Other panelists included Spencer Crew, Executive Director and CEO, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; Jessica Arend, Deputy Director, The Andy Warhol Museum; and Robin Held, Associate Curator, Henry Art Gallery.


    Center for Cultural Understanding and Change, The Field Museum of Natural History, National Meeting on Exhibiting Race, Racism, and Identity, Chicago, IL

    Participant, 2003

    Participated in dialogue about museums engaged in curating knowledge on race, racism, and identity to promote cultural understanding through public outreach.


    Council of American Jewish Museums 2003 Conference, Philadelphia, PA

    Co-Chair, 2003

    Coordinated four-day conference focusing on the role of Jewish Museums on the eve of 350 years of Jewish life in America.


    Third Annual Marc Rich Seminar, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Panelist, 2002

    Served on panel exploring "The Display of the Holocaust in the Museum: New Perspectives."


    International Conference of Jewish Collections, Vienna, Austria

    Presenter, 1999

    Delivered my curatorial paper on design and audience of The Jewish Museum as a model of museum visitation in the United States.


    Baruch College, New York, NY

    Panelist, 1999

    Participated in panel entitled "The Role of Museums in Promoting an Understanding of a Diverse Society" during the celebration of Co-Existence Day at Baruch College.


    Task Force on the Jewish Women of the UJA-Federation of New York, New York, NY

    Moderator, 1999

    Facilitated the panel on Jewish women in the arts with visual artist Amy Reichart, musician Debbie Friedman, writer E.M. Broiner, and dancer JoAnne Tucker.

  • Encounter Trip for Durable Resolution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Bethlehem, East Jerusalem, West Bank, Ramallah

    Leadership Participant, October 2019

    Connected with a cross-sector cohort of peers about the high-stakes issues shared by these communities. Interacted with like-minded stakeholders in the Palestine community. Strategized about bringing Jewish values into the understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and seeking solutions where all parties live with respect, recognition, and rights.


    2019 DC Chamber of Commerce Israel Trade Mission, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa

    Selected Leader, June 2019

    Invited to accompany Mayor Muriel Bowser on her first-ever trip to Israel. The mission included attracting new foreign direct investment into District real estate, infrastructure, cyber security, and technology firms; promoting DC as a destination for Israeli business and leisure visitors; and establishing new educational partnerships between universities based in Israeli and Washington, DC.


    Snow Farm, The New England Craft Program, Williamsburg, MA

    Selected to help advance Snow Farm’s mission is to provide exceptional studio craft and fine art instruction for people of all ages in an inspiring residential setting.

    Board Member, 2020-present

    Committed to working on development and the public profile for Snow Farm.

    Treasurer, January 2021-present

    The Jewish Theater, San Francisco, CA

    Board Member, 2008-present

    Selected for an instrumental role in creating a partnership with the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco to help stabilize the Theatre’s financial situation.


    Council of American Jewish Museum, New York, NY

    Steering Committee Member, 2003-2008

    Served in a governance capacity to help guide and grow the professional organization in an effort to meet the professional needs of the membership.


    ArtTable, New York, NY

    At-large Member, 2000-present

    At-large member of the national organization for professional women in the visual arts.


    LGBT Task Force of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH

    Community Advisor, 2004-2006

    Assisted in creating and providing inclusive policies for staff and community members of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland.


    The Samuel Rosenthal Center for Judaic Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

    Executive Committee Member, Program Committee Chair, 2004-2006

    Served in an advisory capacity to address issues relevant to the mission, goals, and strategic planning of the Rosenthal Center. Addressed potential partnership and collaborative programs within and beyond the university.


    Board of Education, City of New York, New York, NY

    Intergroup Relations Advisory Council, Committee Member, 1999-2003

    Served as advisor to the Chancellor on ways to educate, promote, and foster understanding between the diverse groups of students and school personnel in the New York City School System.


    YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, New York, NY

    Academic Advisory Board Member, 2001

    Advised YIVO (Yidisher Visnshaftlekher Institut) on educational programs and curriculum to teach pre-war East European history on the high school level.


    The Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America, Indiana University Press

    Biographical Essay, 2006

    Honored with inclusion in this collection of 145 extended essays that analyze diverse interface of women and religion within institutions and movements in North America. Interreligious, interracial, and multicultural, the encyclopedia invites a broad general audience to discover the integration women’s religious experience throughout history.

  • “Personal Reflections” Sh’ma 40/669 (April 2010).

    Contributed personal reflections on Jewish ethics and the acceptable boundaries of civil discourse.


    Viewers Guide and Education Packet for film: Waltz with Bashir Makom: Renewing Israel Engagement in collaboration with Foundation for Jewish Culture (2009).

    Served as an advisor and consultant for the contextualization and creation of a guide to help people understand the complexity of the history surrounding the film.


    “How Does Art Connect Jewish Culture and Community: A Round Table Discussion.” Sh’ma 35/618 (February 2005).

    Explored why the arts are important in Jewish Education and how integrating the arts will make a difference in the practice of teaching and the process of learning.


    “Cultural Reflections and Self Reflection.” 17 Journal of Museum Education 12 (Spring/Summer 1992).

    Explored ethically specific museums as a means of self-reflection for multi-cultural school groups.


    Student's Encyclopedia of the Holocaust, The Jerusalem Publishing House, 1996.

    Wrote two articles on hidden children and children's diaries.


    “The significance of Form: Ceramics.” Journal of the National Art Education Association. 42 (January 1989).