A message from Calgary Jewish Federation President Lisa Libin – Introducing new CEO Rob Nagus

 by Lisa Libin

(Calgary) – It is with great pleasure that we officially announce our new incoming CEO for Calgary Jewish Federation – Rob Nagus.

Rob is currently the Executive Director of Jewish London, since 2021, where he has been an incredibly admired and respected leader amongst his staff and community members. While in this role, Rob has led a community-wide strategic planning process and supported the implementation of Jewish London’s first ever Young Adult Leadership Program. He has an in-depth understanding of both the internal and external challenges our community faces, having to deal with similar situations himself. As well, Rob independently leads London’s UJA Campaign and secured the community’s first ever individual $1M donation in October, towards the Israel Emergency Fund.

Although he has spent much of his career in the East, Rob went to high school in Edmonton and grew up attending Camp BB Riback. He is excited to come back to his Alberta roots to be closer to his own family and old friends. We know that many Calgary community members already know Rob from childhood and beyond, and are extremely excited to hear of his move to Calgary. His passion and excitement towards our Calgary community and his desire to be here will help in ensuring longevity and commitment to his new CEO role.

Also important to note is Rob’s past career in a number of Jewish organizations including Hillel at the University of Toronto and most notably, the Director of Philanthropy for UJA Genesis, UJA of Federation of Greater Toronto’s division committed to the growth of donors under the age of 40 – a key priority for our own community.

Given his in-depth involvement with their campaign, Rob and his board have requested that he stay in London until campaign is wrapped-up in December. As believers in always ensuring you are leaving your previous role in a better place than when you started, we have granted their desire for him to stay. Diana Kalef and Rhona Shore have both been doing a great job with their interim responsibilities, and we are grateful that they are willing to continue these roles until Rob is officially moved to Calgary. Our UJA Campaign, launching next week, is in strong hands with Diana and her team, and we are confident Rob’s arrival will be worth the wait!

 Rob will also be in Calgary during pre-scheduled times that will be valuable for his in-person presence, so we hope that everyone will get an opportunity to meet or reconnect with Rob very soon!

 I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this very extensive hiring process particularly Cali Oppenheim, who led the executive search. We were fortunate to receive interest from across Canada and the US, with a variety of proficiencies. Rob’s experience combined with his personality and passion is what put him over the top. We know he will bring so much new energy to our community, and I am very excited to see it!

Please see below for a personal message from Rob Nagus:

Dear Calgary Jewish Community,

 My name is Rob Nagus, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the incoming CEO of Calgary Jewish Federation. As someone whose Jewish identity was deeply shaped in Alberta – whether as a high school student and BBYO member in Edmonton, an undergraduate at the University of Calgary, or a camper at Camp BB Riback — this is a profound and meaningful homecoming for me.

 For the past few years, I have had the privilege of leading the Jewish community in London, Ontario, as the Executive Director of Jewish London. Over the past 16 years, I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening Jewish organizations across Ontario, and now I am honoured to bring my experience and passion back to Calgary, where I look forward to collaborating with all of you to lead our community into a vibrant and secure future.

 I am eager to work together with the dedicated leaders, professionals, and stakeholders who sustain our institutions. Together, we will ensure that Calgary’s Jewish life continues to thrive with vision, enthusiasm, and pride.

 Thank you for welcoming me back to Wild Rose Country. I am excited to get started and to serve this incredible city.

 Warm regards,

 Rob Nagus, Incoming CEO, Calgary Jewish Federation