Hillel's executive director resigns
By: Kristin McGrath
Issue date: 2/10/06
Section: News
After four and a half years at St. Louis Hillel, the largest Jewish organization at Washington University, Executive Director Margo Hamburger-Fox resigned following a January decision by the organization's board to replace her. Hamburger-Fox will remain in her position until June 30.
"The executive committee made the decision that they wanted to move forward with an executive director that had a different set of skills than mine," said Hamburger-Fox. "What I've done has been great for the organization, and I have a great set of skills, but they want to move in a different direction."
Although she said that the decision was "a little bit of a surprise," Hamburger-Fox added that she understood the board's need to "look towards the future." She plans to use the remainder of her time at St. Louis Hillel to explore other opportunities.
"For me this is a great opportunity to look at all my skills and look at what I love and to tailor my next career move to that," said Hamburger-Fox. "That could be a lot of things, because I have a lot of things that I love to do. My Master's degree is in College Student Personnel, and that's what brought me into Hillel in the first place. So I'm looking at continuing to work with college students."
For junior Rachel Kaplan, president of the Jewish Student Union (JSU), the board's decision was a surprise. As JSU president, she sits on Hillel's board.
"I was surprised," said Kaplan. "I didn't see it coming at all, and I was really confused by it…At the same time, I understood that it was a board decision, which I respect, and there had to be some reason for it. I'm still disappointed, because I really like working with Margo."
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Rabbi Hershey Novack, Director of the University's chapter of Chabad, the other main Jewish organization on campus, has worked with Hamburger-Fox since Chabad came to campus.
"She welcomed us three and a half years ago, and she helped create a collegial, professional relationship," said Novack. "She's in a uniquely challenging position. It's sad to see her go, and I wish her well in the future. I hope that whoever follows her will work to continue that relationship."
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Source: Student Life, February 10, 2006