PITTSBURGH – The new national institution dedicated to rooting out antisemitism housed at the site of the worst antisemitic attack on United States soil announced its first chief of staff.

Jackie Shimshoni Reese, who most recently served as the manager at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, will serve as the reimagined Tree of Life’s inaugural chief of staff.

“I’m honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by Carole and the Tree of Life community as I embark on my journey in this new role" said Jackie Shimshoni Reese, Tree of Life’s new chief of staff. “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.”

The selection of Reese comes two months into Carole Zawatsky’s tenure as CEO and is her first hire as she leads the development of the new 501(c)3 organization that will encompass a museum, memorial and center that couples education with action to counter antisemitism and address identity-based hate.

As chief of staff, Reese will manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, including supporting development efforts and the REMEMBER. REBUILD. RENEW. campaign. She will also serve as a public ambassador for the reimagined Tree of Life and facilitate the growth and deepening of community partnerships on behalf of the organization.

“I truly look forward to working alongside Jackie as we continue to build the reimagined Tree of Life," said Carole Zawatsky, Tree of Life’s CEO. “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.”

Reese joins the new Tree of Life after half a decade at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, where she most recently served as manager. During her time at the Holocaust Center, Jackie 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. She has also held various roles in nonprofit marketing, grant writing, exhibit curation, digital programming, and education at various organizations in Pittsburgh and in Florida. A full biography can be found at RememberRebuildRenew.org/About-the-Chief-of-Staff

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About the new Tree of Life 

As a pervasive form of identity-based hate, antisemitism is a destructive force that affects our entire society. Our community’s resilience in the face of a hate-fueled massacre has given root to a reimagined Tree of Life. Through remembrance, experience, and action, we educate and inspire individuals and communities from across our nation to recognize and stand up against antisemitism. Learn more: RememberRebuildRenew.org