Jason Benkendorf
Executive Director
Jason Benkendorf has served as the Executive Director of American University Hillel since 2011. Under his leadership, Hillel has dramatically increased student involvement and launched a wide range of initiatives to engage, educate, and empower Jewish students. In addition to his work at AU, he is past Chair of the Hillel International Directors Cabinet and served on the Hillel International Board of Directors. Jason was honored with Hillel International's Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award in 2019. He previously founded and led the mid-Atlantic region of The Curriculum Initiative (TCI), an organization that facilitated inclusive Jewish programming at independent high schools. A passion for public service brought Jason to DC, and he received his BA in political science from the AU School of Public Affairs. He subsequently completed an MBA at Johns Hopkins University with a concentration in organization development.
202-885-3324
jasonb@american.edu
Naomi Fainchtein
Assistant Director
Naomi Fainchtein joined the AU Hillel team in the summer of 2021 after several years spent working in student affairs at the University of Texas, Northeastern University, and Berklee College of Music. Earlier in her career, Naomi served as a program coordinator with United Synagogue Youth (USY) and a production associate with ABC News. She attended Northwestern University and received her master's degree in higher education leadership and policy from the University of Texas. As Assistant Director, Naomi leads Hillel's program and engagement team. She loves supporting students at various points on their Jewish journeys and mentoring emerging student leaders! When not on campus, you'll find Naomi spending time with her husband and their son, Matan.
202-885-3127
naomif@american.edu
Amy Hersch
Director of Engagement
Amy Hersch became Hillel's Director of Engagement in 2023. Amy came to us from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), where she served on the development team. She previously worked at two Hillels including that of her undergraduate alma mater, Elon University. Amy received her master's degree in project and program management from Brandeis University. She is passionate about building Jewish community, social justice, and supporting student initiatives. Amy loves baking and taking long walks with her husband and their puppy, Moira.
202-885-3323
Craig Carroll
Springboard Ezra Fellow
Craig Carroll is so excited to be joining the AU Hillel team in fall 2024 as the Springboard Ezra Fellow. He recently graduated from Northwestern University, where he majored in Performance Studies and studied Hebrew. He was very involved in Northwestern Hillel, leading services, working the front desk, and often just hanging out with staff and students. Outside of Hillel, he fills his time with music, food, biking, and friends. Craig is originally from Westchester, NY, and is really enjoying life in DC so far. He is excited to build community with a variety of students through Jewish learning!
Missy Goldstein Gleisser
Marketing and Development Manager
Missy Goldstein Gleisser joined AU Hillel in 2021 as our Marketing and Development Manager. In this role, she spearheads grassroots campaigns and tells the stories of our incredible students. Missy previously worked as a Fellow at the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and in the young adult division of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and received her master's degree in Jewish nonprofit management and Jewish education from Hebrew Union College. Missy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband (the Senior Jewish Educator at Penn State Hillel), two children, and pup Gertie.
Eden Tesema
Jewish Agency Israel Fellow
Eden Tesema joined AU Hillel in September as our Jewish Agency Israel Fellow. Eden grew up in the town of Lod in central Israel. She was a counselor in the Bnei Akiva youth movement as a teenager and worked as a branch manager for the movement after graduating. Eden participated in national service as a teacher in Kiryat Yam and an instructor in a special program for Ethiopian-Israeli girls. She received her BA in politics and communications from Hadassah College in Jerusalem.