New York, NY (May 14, 2026)
UJA-Federation of New York has named Dr. Michael A. Kay as its next chief executive officer, selecting a longtime Jewish educator to lead one of the most influential Jewish philanthropic organizations in the country.
Kay will succeed Eric Goldstein, who has led UJA-Federation for 12 years and announced last year that he would step down. Kay is expected to officially assume the role on October 5.
For the past 13 years, Kay has served as head of school at The Leffell School in Westchester, formerly known as Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. His appointment brings a background in Jewish education, leadership development, and community-building to an organization that plays a central role in Jewish life across New York, Israel, and communities around the world.
UJA-Federation supports a broad network of social service agencies, Jewish institutions, Israel-related initiatives, emergency response efforts, and programs addressing poverty, mental health, elder care, security, and Jewish identity. Its next leader will take over at a particularly sensitive moment, as Jewish New Yorkers face rising antisemitism, intense debate over Israel, and growing pressure on communal institutions.
Kay said his work will focus on engaging the next generation, strengthening ties with Israel, and drawing on the full range of Jewish communal experience to meet current challenges.
Goldstein’s tenure included major crises for the Jewish community, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the October 7 attacks in Israel, and a surge in antisemitic incidents in New York and across the country. He has been widely viewed as a steady and respected figure in American Jewish communal leadership.
Kay’s selection signals a continued emphasis on Jewish education and long-term communal resilience as UJA-Federation prepares for its next chapter. His transition comes as the organization looks to maintain broad community unity while responding to new political, social, and security challenges facing Jewish New York.