New President, CEO will lead American Jewish World Service (AJWS) into its next chapter, guided by core values and a steadfast commitment to repair the world
NEW YORK – The leading global Jewish organization working to end poverty and promote human rights, American Jewish World Service, announced today that Tawanda Mutasah will be its next President and CEO, starting February 2026.
Mutasah is a globally respected executive, human rights leader, and philanthropic strategist with three decades of senior leadership experience across complex, mission-driven international organizations. 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.
Mutasah previously held senior executive roles at global or international levels, at Oxfam America, Amnesty International, Open Society Foundations, and Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). He is a human rights lawyer who holds three law degrees and has taught law in Europe and North America. Mutasah 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, in the United States.
From his early years as a student leader who suffered reprisals for organizing against government abuse and brutality in his country of birth, through an initial career as a lawyer supporting religious leaders in their policy and advocacy for social justice in the African region, Mutasah’s leadership evolved to encompass a solid global footprint in professional and grassroots movements for justice and rights.
“I’m honored to be entrusted with leading AJWS, an organization I’ve long admired, and with whose mission and core values I deeply resonate. The 40th anniversary of AJWS is a humbling reminder of the power and promise of this auspicious organization,” said Tawanda Mutasah, incoming President and CEO of AJWS. “Throughout my career, I’ve held close to my heart the Jewish belief of B’tzelem Elohim. The idea that we are all made in the image of the divine, worthy of dignity, justice, human rights, and agency over our own lives. This belief has and continues to inspire me, even in the darkest, most challenging times. It is a core truth that lies at the center of it all – and no one embodies these values more than AJWS. I look forward to partnering with our grantees, our staff, our board, and tens of thousands of American Jewish supporters and thinkers to pursue justice for some of the most vulnerable people in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.”
The selection of Mutasah comes as AJWS celebrates its 40th anniversary and deepens its roots in the global south and around the world.
“Tawanda’s expertise is unparalleled in the human rights field. We were inspired by his deep desire to partner with the American Jewish community to repair the world and his longstanding commitment to living by the values at the heart of AJWS, both personally and professionally. I am excited to partner with him to lead AJWS into the future,” said Jill Minneman, AJWS board chair. “At this critical juncture for global philanthropy, human rights, and humanitarian assistance, Tawanda’s leadership and gravitas will be critical in guiding AJWS as we deepen our impact in the global South and around the world. Tawanda is uniquely qualified to build on the 40-year legacy of our organization to maximize our global impact, advance our strategic goals, and serve as a visionary leader during this especially challenging moment in history.”
Mutasah succeeds Robert Bank, who is stepping down after 16 years at AJWS, nearly ten of which he spent as President and CEO.
“Tawanda is the right person to lead AJWS as we enter our next chapter,” said Robert Bank, current CEO of AJWS. “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 partnerships that will ensure AJWS will thrive in the years ahead.’’
“We evaluated and interviewed an exceptional and diverse pool of candidates, and Tawanda emerged as our clear first choice to lead the organization. His depth of global experience, clarity of vision, and strong executive presence set him apart. We have all been so impressed by Tawanda’s expertise, integrity, warmth, and understanding of and connection to Jewish values. He is simply an exceptional person and is superbly qualified,” said Sharon Leslie, AJWS board member and chair of the executive search committee. “The search process took place against the backdrop of our current moment in history, making deep thoughtfulness and bold leadership all the more important as traits to be embodied by our organization’s next leader – traits exemplified by Tawanda. We know that AJWS and those we serve stand to benefit greatly from Tawanda’s leadership, and we are excited for the world to see the same.”
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