Iris Reff Ronen's journey with the America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) is a testament to her leadership and dedication to supporting Israeli artists. As the Global CEO of AICF, Ronen has been instrumental in shaping the organization's future and overcoming challenges in the nonprofit art and cultural sector.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Ronen's tenure at AICF began nearly seven years ago when she joined as the CEO of AICF Israel. During this time, she spearheaded significant improvements in various aspects of the organization, including processes, technology, human resources, and fundraising.
Two years later, as a result of her success, Ronen was offered the position to oversee both AICF US and Israel operations from the United States. This promotion required her to relocate to New York amidst the COVID-19 pandemic; she said she “loved the challenge and is so happy to lead the organization.”
Navigating Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
Leading a nonprofit organization in the arts and cultural domain comes with its unique set of challenges. Ronen acknowledges that limited government, foundations, and individual support are a constant hurdle. To address this, she mentioned, “We need to keep reinventing ourselves to stay up-to-date and relevant to our donors.”
A Vision for the Future
Despite these challenges, Ronen remains optimistic about AICF's future. With over 85 years of supporting Israeli artists, she envisions AICF continuing its legacy as a leader in showcasing Israeli talent on global stages for decades to come.
The Value of Collaboration
Ronen highlights that “The experience with CALO is priceless. It provides a unique opportunity to meet, interact, and have meaningful discussions with top professionals in the nonprofit world.” These interactions foster meaningful discussions and collaborations that contribute to the growth and success of organizations like AICF.
As Iris Reff Ronen continues to lead AICF, her commitment to supporting Israeli artists and navigating the complexities of the nonprofit sector remains unwavering. Her leadership exemplifies the dedication required to sustain and grow cultural organizations in an ever-changing landscape.
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