Key Facts
Career & Education
About
Michael Finkelstein is an American nonprofit executive and Jewish community leader, serving as President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington since 2018. In this role, he leads community initiatives in philanthropy, social services, and community building for the Jewish population in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. His work focuses on education, health care, elder services, support for Israel, poverty alleviation, and interfaith dialogue. Under his leadership, the Federation has navigated challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising antisemitism, fostering resilience and unity within the community.
Prior to his current position, Finkelstein served as Executive Director of the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) in Rockville, Maryland from 2007 to 2018, where he expanded mental health and family support programs. His earlier career included various nonprofit roles focused on vulnerable populations, including serving as the Director of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and holding positions at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington prior to his CEO role. Finkelstein's approach is informed by his commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), and he has been sponsored by influential figures such as Mark D. Lerner, highlighting his integration into networks of Jewish philanthropy in the region.
He holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. He is recognized for his collaborative style and dedication to inclusive leadership, though specific personal details remain relatively private. His work continues to influence local and national discussions on Jewish identity and communal support, and he has been involved in initiatives like the Federation's 'Community Crisis Fund' during the pandemic and advocacy efforts against antisemitism.