Wendy Singer, an accomplished business and nonprofit executive who for decades has strengthened and promoted Israel’s innovation ecosystem, has joined The Russell Berrie Foundation Board of Trustees. Singer brings a wealth of expertise in linking Israel’s cutting-edge tech solutions with businesses, governments, and NGOs worldwide.
A resident of Jerusalem for three decades, Singer currently serves as strategic advisor to select Israeli tech startups and NGOs. In 2022, she concluded nine years as the founding executive director of Start-Up Nation Central, where she established the organization’s infrastructure and built bridges between Israeli innovators and global solution-seekers.
Singer’s distinguished career includes 23 years with AIPAC, where she served as head of its Israel office for 16 years. Her prior policy experience includes roles as a registered AIPAC lobbyist and legislative aide in the U.S. House and Senate. During this period, Singer engaged both in Jerusalem and Washington in strengthening the multi-layered relationship between Israel and the United States.
Singer’s leadership extends to governance and volunteer roles with multiple organizations. She serves on the boards of the Shalom Hartman Institute, Scale-Up Velocity, and Made in JLM, helping to guide efforts to empower innovation, strengthen the Jewish people, and secure Israel’s future as a pluralistic, Jewish, and democratic state. Her thought leadership has been featured in The Times of Israel, Forbes, and other prominent outlets.
“We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Wendy for years in her capacity as a champion for Israel’s innovation sector,” said Angelica Berrie, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation. “Her dedication to building a thriving Israel and vibrant Jewish communities aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to welcome her insights and leadership to our board.”
“Taking my place at The Russell Berrie Foundation board table feels extremely natural to me, having worked with Angelica and the Trustees for close to a decade,” Singer said. “I’ve long admired the Foundation’s mission and the thoroughness and creativity of its exceptional professional team. I’m honored by the opportunity to engage more deeply in their work, both in Israel and New Jersey.”
Singer holds a degree from Brandeis University. She lives in Jerusalem with her husband, noted author and columnist Saul Singer, and their three daughters.
Wendy joins the Foundation at a critical juncture in Israel’s history and for Jewish communities in New Jersey and around the globe. Our staff and Trustees look forward to working with her in advancing the reach and impact of our and our grantees’ work.