WASHINGTON, DC Denverite Gary P. Saltzman is the new president of Bnai Brith International. He was elected Nov. 9 by the board of governors at its annual meeting in Washington, DC.
Saltzman immediately begins a three-year term leading the worlds oldest Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization.
In 40 years as a member of Bnai Brith International, Saltzman has demonstrated leadership and dedication at the local and international levels of the organization through an impressive range of roles and responsibilities.
It is a unique privilege to add my name to the list of presidents who have served this venerable organization during its 172-year history, Saltzman said.
Throughout my decades of service to Bnai Brith, I have been directly involved in all aspects of our core mission at the local and global levels: From advocating for human rights, to supporting Israel and fighting anti-Semitism, to speaking out for seniors and to providing aid to the victims of disasters.
I am eager to honor the roots of this organization while advancing its mission in new ways.
IN HIS recent capacity as chairman of the executive board of directors, the No. 2 volunteer leadership position in the organization, Saltzman served as the direct liaison between staff and volunteers and represented Bnai Brith in meetings around the world.
Saltzman has dedicated his time, effort and attention to ensuring the international scope of Bnai Brith represents the core values that launched the organization and that generate respect around the world.
World leaders welcome Bnai Brith to meetings and seek its counsel because of its agenda and purpose.
This access allows us the opportunity to make a difference in the world; to be global agenda setters, Saltzman said.
Saltzman has discussed the singular mistreatment of Israel at the UN directly with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
He has been involved in one-on-one encounters with a wide variety of foreign ministers and presidents.
Hes traveled to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to decry the chronic mischaracterization of Israels human rights record.
He was actively involved in an interfaith audience with Pope Francis to discuss attacks in the name of religion against Christians and Jews.
Gary is a pro-active leader who turns ideas into action. His leadership, his command of the issues, his pragmatism and his embrace of change are essential characteristics for a successful president to advance the goals and ideals of our organization, Bnai Brith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said.
I look forward to working closely with Gary.
SALTZMANS LEADERSHIP skills were flagged early in his Bnai Brith work. In 1989 he was named a Label A. Katz Young Leadership Award winner, which is given to individuals under 45 who have demonstrated outstanding service to the totality of Bnai Brith and have worked to achieve the goals of the Bnai Brith young leadership program.
Saltzman has held numerous leadership positions, including president of the Bnai Brith Denver Lodge in 1986, president of the Western Frontier Region and president of Bnai Brith District 2.
He was active in the leadership of BBYO on behalf of Bnai Brith International.
He has served as a member of the international board of governors, and as a leader on such committees as the futures committee, strategic planning committee and budget committee.
He remains a member of the Denver Lodge board.
Professionally, Saltzman is a CPA with the Wenner Group, and a registered investment advisor with Transitions Wealth Management.
Joining Saltzman are senior vice presidents Eric Engelmayer, Luxembourg; Shel Marcus, Morton Grove, Ill.; Sheila Mostyn, Toronto, Canada; Marvin Siflinger, Framingham, Mass.; Robert B. Spitzer, Seattle, Wash.; Eduardo Weinstein Gottlieb, Santiago, Chile; Treasurer A. Michael Gellman, Potomac, Md.; and re-elected Chief Justice William Peirez, Great Neck, NY.