BLOOMINGTON — The Hillel Foundation at Indiana University is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jeff Linkon as its new Executive Director. A native Hoosier, Linkon brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Jewish community, having been born and raised in Indianapolis.
Linkon is an Indiana University alumnus, graduating with a degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and a Certificate in Jewish Studies. He has dedicated over thirty years to serving the Greater Indianapolis community as an entrepreneur, volunteer, and Jewish communal professional. His background spans the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, where he has successfully led startups, developed programs, and implemented critical community-wide initiatives.
Since 2018, Linkon has managed operations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, most recently serving as Chief Community Operations Officer. He was pivotal in launching Safe Indiana, a safety and security initiative supporting more than 60 Jewish organizations throughout the state.
“In many ways, this is truly a homecoming,” Linkon said. “While attending IU, Hillel was where I found my people, many of whom remain my closest friends. At Hillel, I found my voice and the opportunities provided laid the foundation for my leadership journey within the Jewish community. In this time of surging antisemitism on campuses across the U.S., I am humbled by the trust of the Board of Governors, professional staff, and student leadership. I look forward to collaborating with them and other partners to meet the needs of our students and continue building a vibrant Jewish community.”
Michael Mervis, Board President of IU Hillel, praised Linkon’s appointment: “Jeff is a phenomenal addition to IU Hillel. His extensive experience, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and his capacity to inspire are the perfect skill sets to propel IU Hillel into our next chapter.”
Adam Lehman, President and CEO of Hillel International, remarked, “Jeff’s journey from involved Jewish student at Indiana University to IU Hillel’s Executive Director is a testament to the transformative power of Hillel. We all look forward to supporting his efforts to elevate IU Hillel’s impact and success in shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders.”
The Hillel Foundation thanks to Lawrence Bolotin, Chair of the Search Committee, for his leadership throughout the hiring process. Additionally, they express deep appreciation to Rabbi Sue Silberberg for her decades of commitment and service, which have laid a strong foundation for the organization. The Hillel community wishes her the best in her future endeavors.
