Union for Reform Judaism Appoints Jen Algire as Executive Vice President 

New York, NY; December 16, 2024 – Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), announced today that Jen Algire will join the URJ’s executive leadership team as Executive Vice President. Algire succeeds Julie Lerner, who is retiring after a distinguished tenure in the role since January 2017. 

The URJ, the largest and most diverse movement in Jewish life, represents 825 congregations and inspires nearly 2 million individuals across North America and beyond. Algire’s appointment comes as the URJ continues its mission to create vibrant, inclusive Jewish communities. “Jen is a passionate, thoughtful, and visionary leader with a proven track record of driving transformational change in organizations,” said Rabbi Jacobs. “Her leadership style, rooted in fostering collaboration, trust, and a deep sense of belonging, makes her uniquely suited to lead the URJ forward during this pivotal time.” 

Most recently, Algire served as President and CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation (GCF) in central Kentucky, where she spearheaded efforts to advance civic engagement as a critical determinant of community well-being. Under her leadership since 2012, GCF became a recognized catalyst for fostering inclusion, building trust, and convening diverse stakeholders to address complex societal challenges. Algire’s ability to align purpose with actionable goals has positioned her as a sought-after leader in nonprofit and community-building spaces. 

Prior to her role at GCF, Algire served as Chief of Staff for Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), the nation’s leading healthcare alliance, where she played a key role in driving organizational innovation and strategic growth. 

Algire is an active member of the Jewish community. She currently is Treasurer and chair of the finance committee at her synagogue, Ohavay Zion Synagogue in Lexington, KY. She has held leadership roles for the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and was awarded a Jewish Federation of North America Young Leadership Award in 2009. 

“Jen’s wealth of experience and her dedication to helping organizations realize their full potential will be instrumental as we chart the next chapter of the URJ’s journey,” added Rabbi Jacobs.  

URJ Board Chair Shelley Niceley Groff expressed her confidence in the appointment, stating, "With the strong support and trust of our lay leaders, she is the perfect leader to guide our community toward a vibrant and thriving future." 

In reflecting on her appointment, Algire expressed enthusiasm for the road ahead. “I am thrilled to join the URJ and its inspiring community of professional and lay leaders,” said Algire. “The through-line of my career has been helping people and organizations recognize and harness their strengths to achieve ambitions they never thought possible. I look forward to channeling that passion into advancing the URJ’s vital mission.” 

Algire officially assumes her new role April 1, 2025. 
 

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About the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) represents a vibrant network of 825 Reform synagogues across North America, which foster serious Jewish learning, sacred community, and prophetic justice. As the central address for this congregational network, the URJ speaks on behalf of the entire Reform Movement on a wide range of topics ranging from Jewish observance and ritual, community relations, social justice, and much more.