I am reaching out with an exciting update: Tawanda Mutasah will be the next President and CEO of AJWS starting in February 2026. Tawanda was unanimously affirmed by the Board of Trustees as AJWS’s next leader after a robust global search.
Tawanda is a globally respected executive, human rights leader, and philanthropic strategist with three decades of senior leadership experience across complex, mission-driven international organizations and deep ties within the human rights and humanitarian assistance sector. His career reflects a distinctive blend of CEO-level operational leadership and management, large-scale grantmaking and fundraising credibility, institution-building, and a deep commitment and proximity to grassroots, rights-based social change.
Tawanda joins us from Oxfam America, and his tenure will begin as AJWS celebrates our 40th anniversary and deepens our roots in the global south and around the world. Tawanda is a human rights lawyer who holds three law degrees and has taught human rights law in Europe and North America. He was born in Zimbabwe and has lived and worked around the world, including in Southern Africa, the U.K., France, and, for the past 18 years, the United States.
In our conversations with Tawanda, it’s clear that he is deeply aligned with the work of our American Jewish global organization. He has long been inspired by the Jewish belief of b’Tzelem Elohim – the essential dignity of every human being – and of listening to those who are suffering with compassion and empathy. He holds these values through his own faith tradition, and he believes that our shared universal values have the power to inspire and engage us to make sustainable change in our broken world.
As you get to know Tawanda, you will see immediately how exceptional he is and that he embodies our steadfast commitment to human rights and our Jewish and universal values. I’m pleased to share this message from Tawanda. Please find a short introduction video from Tawanda below:
A note from Robert Bank, outgoing AJWS President and CEO:
Tawanda is the right person to lead AJWS as we enter our next chapter. A globally respected executive with deep experience leading in large, complex organizations and a distinguished record in human rights and philanthropy, Tawanda brings the strategic acumen and moral clarity this moment demands. At a time of unprecedented attacks on global human rights, international development, and humanitarian assistance, alongside a rapidly shifting philanthropic landscape and diminishing global aid, AJWS requires thoughtful, steady, values-driven leadership. I hand over the baton to a leader who has the head and heart, the values and compassion, and the commitment to relationships and partnership to ensure that AJWS will thrive in the years ahead.
A note from Sharon Leslie, AJWS Board member and Chair of the Search Committee:
We evaluated and interviewed a large group of qualified, impressive, and diverse candidates, and Tawanda was by far our first choice to lead this organization because of his experience, vision, and presence. We have all been so impressed by Tawanda’s expertise, integrity, warmth, and understanding of and connection to Jewish values. He is superbly qualified and an exceptional person. The search process took place against the backdrop of our current moment in history, making deep thoughtfulness and bold leadership all the more important qualities for our organization’s next leader – qualities exemplified by Tawanda. We know that AJWS and those we serve stand to benefit greatly from Tawanda’s leadership, and are excited for the world to see the same.
With this new and exciting chapter comes the bittersweet conclusion of our beloved Robert Bank’s tenure as President and CEO. Robert remains committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition to Tawanda.
I hope you’ll join me in giving Tawanda a warm welcome as we continue to build a more just and better future.
Warmly,
Jill Minneman
Board Chair, AJWS