The Jewish Theological Seminary Appoints Randy Michaels as Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

Michaels was most recently Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Camp Ramah in California

January 13, 2025 — New York, NY— The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), one of the world’s preeminent centers of Jewish higher education, is thrilled to announce Randy Michaels as its new Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer. As Vice Chancellor, Mr. Michaels will play a key role in contributing to institutional strategy formation and implementation as JTS moves into the future. Working with the CFO, Randy will provide leadership for the financial and business functions of JTS, while also overseeing human resources, facilities management, informational technology, and legal. Mr. Michaels brings years of both corporate and nonprofit experience and a successful track record to this integral role.

“It’s a privilege to join the team at JTS and to contribute to its leadership. Throughout my years at Camp Ramah in California as a nonprofit professional, my personal association with Conservative Judaism, and my lifelong connections to the larger Jewish community, I’ve admired the fantastic work being done at this institution. I’m now overjoyed to help build upon past successes and to work with the talented administration, faculty, and board in shaping an exciting future for JTS” said Mr. Michaels, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor.

“From the moment I met Randy, I knew he would be an ideal addition to our team as the new Vice Chancellor and COO,” said JTS Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz. “His stellar combination of professional expertise in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors and personal dedication to our mission makes him an excellent choice for one of the most critical leadership roles at JTS. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of his contributions.”

Mr. Michaels has had a distinguished career that spanned various industries, including finance, consulting, and non-profit management. He began his professional career in the financial services sector, honing his expertise in management consulting, investment banking, and financial analysis with prominent firms such as Charles Schwab, SEI, and Investment Counseling Inc. After owning his own company in the design and home improvement industry, he transitioned into nonprofit leadership, joining Camp Ramah in California as the Chief Operating and Financial Officer.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Winona State University, a Master’s Certificate in Psychology from Dominican University, and a Master’s Certificate in Leadership & Management from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Mr. Michaels will assume his new position on February 18.

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JTS is a preeminent institution of Jewish higher education, training thoughtful, innovative leaders—rabbis, cantors, educators, lay leaders, and scholars—who strengthen our communities with a vision of Judaism that is deeply grounded in the Jewish past and thoroughly engaged with contemporary society. JTS also provides high-caliber, lifelong learning and professional development to our alumni, adult learners, and Jewish communities throughout North America. Through its Library, JTS preserves and makes accessible to students and scholars throughout the world the greatest collection of Judaica in the Western Hemisphere.