David Snyder will become the new executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) on Nov. 23, announced Vicki Zell, president of the community relations agency of the Jewish Federation. Snyder, a Cherry Hill native, succeeds Alan Respler, who retired in May after 32 years as JCRC director.

DAVID SNYDER “We are truly lucky to have him at the helm of our agency,” said Zell. She added that she is confident that Snyder will take the JCRC in new and exciting directions. Zell said that Snyder’s experience, contacts, and community involvement make him an

incredible asset to the Federation system. Prior to joining the JCRC, Snyder spent four years as area director for AIPAC, the American-Israel Political Action Committee. He has also worked for both Temple and Drexel universities in corporate and foundation relations, for the Jewish National Fund (JNF), and for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he holds an MBA from Temple University.

Snyder has a wide array of community involvements. An active member of the Jewish Federation, he will be stepping down from the Federation board when he assumes his new position. He and his wife Allison, who works in the human resources field in the banking industry, are members of Cong. M’kor Shalom. Snyder is a board member of the Cherry Hill synagogue and co-chair of the Men’s Club. His activities also include the Cherry Hill Township Zoning Board and the Woodcrest Elementary School PTA. He and his wife have three sons.

“The portfolio of JCRC is what spoke to me,” said Snyder. “Right now, I’m doing Israel advocacy for AIPAC. As director of the JCRC, I can continue working on behalf of support for Israel, but also strengthen and promote the tremendous interfaith work that began under Alan’s tenure, such as the Catholic-Jewish Commission and the Catholic- Jewish-Muslim Dialogue.”

Snyder said that the JCRC brings the community together, providing opportunities for diversity and tolerance. “The Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center and the BookMates literacy program are two shining examples,” he said.

Snyder said that what is nice about the JCRC is that it offers many opportunities to have an impact. “I believe that every individual has the potential to help someone.” .