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Early next month, Jerry Silverman will take over as the next president and CEO of the United Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization of the nation's Jewish federations.

The UJC represents 157 Jewish federations and 400 independent network Jewish communities across North America.

Though Silverman declined to offer specific goals until he assumes his new position, he said that he will be taking the time to listen to the concerns of community leaders and members.

"Until then, my priority is to listen to federation leaders and constituents across the entire community to truly understand their hopes and ideas -- and identify the opportunities that will enable the federation system to move into the future as one," Silverman said in an email to The Jewish State.

Silverman has been the executive director of the Foundation for Jewish Camp since 2004, where he presided over 20-fold growth in the organization's annual budget, from $1 million to $22 million. Previously, he was an executive at the Levi Strauss and Co. and the Stride Rite Corp. Silverman, who will begin Sept. 8, succeeds Howard Rieger.

Silverman said that what he has learned in his previous professional experiences will benefit him in his new role.

"Among many other lessons, I learned quickly in the private sector that responsibility to one's shareholders is essential," Silverman said. "Without their buy-in, success in any pursuit will be elusive. A wise company or organization should evolve together with its stakeholders -- and that's exactly what the Federation system must do."

Together the UJC and its affiliate federations collect revenues of approximately $3 billion annually, which are used to address a myriad of social service and educational needs in Jewish communities throughout North America. The funds have also been used to aid Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.

The UJC has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The 2009-2010 budget decreased by 18 percent from the previous year, $37 to $30.3 million, and 31 positions, or 15 percent of the staff, were eliminated. Over just the past two years, the annual budget has decreased by more than 26 percent and a total of 71 positions were eliminated.

According to Dr. Mark Rosen, who teaches at Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University, the main challenge the UJC faces is how to overcome its own collective model.

"The old model is when donors put money in a central pot and let the wise leaders decide how to distribute it," Rosen said.

The solution, Rosen explained, has been to "create opportunities to donate to specific causes -- to give [donors] a menu." Citing Silverman's "outsider" status, Rosen called the selection "a really daring choice for the UJC to make," and "refreshing." Rosen speculated that the UJC selected Silverman because of his background in fundraising and marketing.

"He has the relevant experience for the needs of the moment," he said.

Local federation leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the selection, noting Silverman's experience as a successful fundraiser.

Gerrie Bamira, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, extolled Silverman's tenure as the head of the Foundation for Jewish Camp, during which the organization partnered with the federation.

"We've had a very positive experience with him, his staff, and the opportunities that have been made available to our community," she said.

The major challenge Silverman faces as he takes the reins of the UJC, according to Bamira, "is to engage the next generation of leadership and philanthropists." Bamira said that his background in marketing and business will prove a great asset in addressing this and other challenges. "We welcome him to the federation and look forward to working with him."

Howard Gases, the executive director of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, also praised the selection. Though Gases said he has not personally worked with Silverman in the past, he is familiar with his reputation.

"I've heard only positive things and am looking forward to benefiting from his leadership," he said.

According to Gases, Silverman has already accepted an invitation to visit their community.

"The issue is building a stronger Jewish community," Gases said, which he believes Silverman can accomplish by "making the national umbrella more relevant to the local Jewish community."