Rachel Lithgow is an accomplished executive with over 28 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and cultural preservation. Renowned as a change agent, she has dedicated her career to revitalizing struggling organizations, rebranding their missions, and transforming them into thriving institutions. Her passion for social impact, coupled with her innovative approach, has earned her a stellar reputation in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.
Rachel’s journey is marked by transformative leadership across prestigious organizations. As Executive Vice President of the Museum of the Jewish People, Tel Aviv, she spearheaded international fundraising efforts and public relations campaigns, playing a pivotal role in the museum’s renewal and reopening. Rachel founded the Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue, expanding the museum’s global reach and promoting inclusivity in Jewish heritage discussions.
Before her tenure in Tel Aviv, Rachel served as Executive Director of the American Jewish Historical Society, the nation’s oldest ethnic archive. Under her stewardship, the organization resolved a $1M inherited deficit and expanded its annual budget by 40%. She revitalized public programs, modernized digital archives, and enhanced the visibility of 25 million historical artifacts, photographs, and documents, ensuring their enduring relevance.
Rachel’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to her latest endeavor as the founder of Noga, a boutique agency connecting marginalized communities with global resources. Through this venture, she aims to create opportunities for pluralism, prosperity, and meaningful social change. Her innovative vision bridges gaps across diverse groups, empowering them to achieve sustainable progress.
Earlier in her career, Rachel led the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, where she managed a successful $6M capital campaign. She transformed the museum’s board into an active philanthropic body and oversaw the design and construction of a new museum building, dramatically elevating the institution’s profile. Her leadership in Holocaust education was further cemented during her time at the USC Shoah Foundation, where she prioritized the survivor database, oversaw over 3,000 interviews, and contributed to groundbreaking educational initiatives.
Rachel’s academic credentials complement her professional achievements. She holds a Master’s Degree in Jewish History from UCLA and a dual Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and History from Boston University. A multilingual leader fluent in Spanish and Hebrew, Rachel brings a global perspective to her work, fostering partnerships across international borders.
Her character is defined by integrity, passion, and unwavering dedication to excellence. She is deeply committed to fostering diversity, increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, and promoting innovative thinking. These values have guided her throughout her career and are evident in the lasting impact she has made on the organizations she serves.
Rachel is also an active writer, contributing to platforms such as Huffington Post and New York Daily News. Her articles often focus on Jewish heritage, Holocaust education, and nonprofit innovation. Her ability to articulate compelling narratives has inspired audiences and furthered critical conversations on social and historical issues.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rachel enjoys water-related activities, writing, and film. A lifelong learner, she continually seeks opportunities to expand her expertise, enhance her skills, and contribute meaningfully to the communities she serves. As she launches her boutique consulting business, Rachel remains committed to empowering organizations to realize their full potential through her unparalleled expertise and vision.
Character:
Rachel’s character is defined by integrity, passion, and dedication to excellence. She leads with empathy and fosters inclusive, collaborative environments that inspire trust and respect among stakeholders.
Knowledge:
With nearly three decades of expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and cultural preservation, Rachel possesses an in-depth understanding of organizational dynamics and growth strategies. Her knowledge spans diverse industries, enabling her to navigate challenges with innovative and informed approaches.
Strategic:
Rachel excels at crafting long-term visions while effectively addressing immediate challenges. Her strategic acumen allows her to identify opportunities, develop impactful partnerships, and drive sustainable organizational growth.
Communication:
As a skilled communicator, Rachel articulates complex ideas with clarity and persuasiveness, fostering collaboration across teams and organizations. Her ability to engage stakeholders through compelling narratives ensures alignment and inspires action toward shared goals.
