(Courtesy of CSS) Community Security Service (CSS), the national Jewish defense and security agency, has announced that Dov Ben-Shimon will become CSS’ new chief executive officer, effective November 18. Ben-Shimon brings more than three decades of experience in executive leadership and fundraising in U.S.-based and international Jewish organizations to his new role.
Since June 2014, Ben-Shimon has served as CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey. During his tenure, he positioned the organization as an effective and inclusive convener for the entire community, and together with the Jewish Community Foundation, the Federation raised and granted over $1 billion to support the community and care for those in need. Previously he served as a combat medic in the Israel Defense Forces, and in a variety of diplomatic and communal positions globally and in the United States.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I am thrilled to welcome Dov to CSS,” said CSS Chair Eddie Sugar. “With his extensive experience leading and fundraising for Jewish organizations and his ability to build broad-based community alliances and partnerships, Dov is uniquely qualified to lead CSS at this critical time, as we continue to respond to growing demand for our services in the face of rising antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, 2023.”
As CEO of CSS, which provides professional-grade security and training to Jewish community members and empowers them to protect their own institutions and events, Ben-Shimon will be responsible for development and oversight of CSS’ strategic direction, cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate and government partnerships, grants and donations, and financial stewardship that supports continued expansion of programs including Volunteer Training and Operations, Security Awareness and Community Education. He will be supported by a senior leadership team that was reporting to Richard Priem, newly promoted to executive vice president.
“I am excited and honored to join CSS as their next CEO,” said Ben-Shimon. “I look forward to working closely with the Board, the CSS team, and our many community partners and supporters to advance our mission of protecting the lives and the way of life of all Jewish Americans.”
