Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Appoints New Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Finance and Administration

New York, NY - Today, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) announced the hiring of Lori Wright Cromwell, Ph.D. as the school's new Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration. Dr. Cromwell, who will begin on July 29, 2024, brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning within higher education to the position, ensuring sound financial stewardship that will contribute to the strength and growth of the venerable institution.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Cromwell to HUC-JIR," said Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., President of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. "Lori's exceptional financial acumen and strategic vision, particularly within an institution of higher learning, will serve our mission to nurture Jewish education and leadership. Her proven track record of fostering financial resilience and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges of today's financial landscape."

Dr. Cromwell will be based in Atlanta and spend significant time working on the HUC-JIR campuses. She joins HUC-JIR with an impressive background in financial leadership. Most recently, she served as Chief Business Officer at Emory University's Candler School of Theology, where she was the school's principal non-academic officer. Prior to that, Dr. Cromwell was Emory's Director of Financial Operations in the Enrollment Management Division and Senior Associate Director of Compliance and Financial Operations in the Office of Financial Aid. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and an MBA from Mercer University.

"I am honored to join Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and to help build upon its esteemed legacy," said Dr. Cromwell. "I look forward to working with the talented team at HUC-JIR to ensure the institution's financial health and to support its mission of nurturing Jewish education and leadership. Together, we will build on the strong foundation established by my predecessor, Amy Goldberg, and continue to foster innovation and resilience in our financial practices."

Dr. Cromwell follows VP Finance and Chief Financial Officer Amy Goldberg, who has served HUC-JIR for the past four years. Ms. Goldberg announced her retirement in March to spend more time with her family and graciously remained in the role to facilitate a seamless transition. Ms. Goldberg's unwavering commitment to HUC-JIR and ensuring best practices in financial, HR, and IT management helped the College-Institute lay a path to reduce its deficit, navigate the COVID pandemic, and strengthen a framework on which to continue building. With gratitude, HUC-JIR wishes Ms. Goldberg all the best as she enters retirement.

The hiring of Dr. Cromwell complements recent strategic decisions that position HUC-JIR to serve the Jewish community effectively in light of the Reform Movement's continued evolution. As the College continues to transform its operations to meet the moment, it is sharpening its commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders who will shape a robust, inclusive, inspiring Jewish future.

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Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion was founded in 1875 to provide rabbinical training for those who would offer progressive, enlightened, and modern spiritual leadership for the new American pulpit. Today, HUC-JIR is the premier Jewish seminary in North America and the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism. Learn more at HUC.edu