We are pleased to announce that Dalit Ballen Horn has joined our organization as our Executive Director.
Prior to joining The Vilna, Dalit served as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Impact at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she held key responsibilities in furthering the organization’s national strategy, vision, and fundraising efforts. Dalit designed and implemented cutting edge and creative approaches to expand the Institute’s partnerships, educational and programmatic agendas, visibility and effectiveness. Prior to this role, Dalit served as Assistant Director at AJC’s Belfer Center for American Pluralism.
Dalit received a BA in History from Columbia University, a BA in Jewish Thought from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a Master's in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she studied management, leadership and organizational design. She is both an alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and a Davidson Scholar. She lives in Brookline, Massachusetts with her husband and their two sons.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dalit as the leader of our organization at this significant inflection point in the history of our organization. The Vilna is poised to become the central gathering place in Boston for relevant and meaningful discourse on contemporary Jewish topics. Dalit has the experience, knowledge and expertise to help expand our footprint, strengthen our programming and deepen our impact,” said Marilyn Okonow, President of the Board of Directors.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for the Vilna and for our entire community” added Marc Baker, President and CEO of Combined Jewish Philanthropies. “Dalit Ballen Horn is a passionate, dynamic leader whose experience on the national stage will bring tremendous value to our community. Having known Dalit for many years, I have seen how committed she is to building a thriving, diverse, creative, and connected Boston Jewish community. My colleagues and I are excited to partner with her and The Vilna Shul.”
The Vilna Shul, located in historic Beacon Hill, is the last-remaining immigrant era synagogue building in Boston and now serves as a center for Jewish culture and communal engagement. The Vilna marked its centennial in late 2019 with the much-anticipated reopening of its historic building after a $4 million restoration project. The Vilna offers programming across the age spectrum and has recently launched its Virtual Vilna platform to expand its reach nationally and internationally.
Please join us as we welcome Dalit to The Vilna.