Jeffrey M. Solomon Starts Tenure as New Board Chair of Foundation for Jewish Camp
NEW YORK – Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) announced today that Jeffrey M. Solomon, vice chair of TD Bank and former chair and CEO of Cowen, began his tenure as the organization’s new board chair. Solomon, a long-time advocate for the Jewish camp movement, has served on FJC’s board since 2016 and succeeds Jim Heeger, whose leadership as chair has been instrumental in guiding FJC through a period of significant growth.
“Jeff’s leadership expertise and personal passion for Jewish camp have proven invaluable over his decade on the board. FJC is thrilled to welcome him as board chair as we work to grow, support, and strengthen the Jewish camp movement,” said Jamie Simon, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “I’m also deeply grateful to Jim Heeger for his stewardship: Jim’s wisdom and commitment played a crucial role in the growth of FJC and Jewish camp, especially as the field recovered from the pandemic and navigated years of war and rising antisemitism.”
“I’m honored to have had the opportunity to partner with Jamie, FJC’s staff, and the rest of the board to expand access to and enhance the quality of Jewish camp,” said Jim Heeger, outgoing board chair of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “I’ve worked with Jeff for many years, and I’m confident that his blend of leadership acumen and love of Jewish camp will enable FJC to dramatically scale its impact in the coming years.”
Solomon currently serves as a vice chair of TD Bank and is an executive vice president of TD Bank Group. He brings decades of experience in the financial sector, and is a passionate advocate for small businesses, including as a former vice chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.
Solomon traces his leadership philosophy, which focuses on empathy and making a difference in the lives of others, to his experience as a camper, counselor and program director at Emma Kaufmann Camp in the 1970s and ‘80s. He is deeply involved in the Jewish community, serving on the executive committee of UJA–Federation of New York and as vice chair of the board of the Tree of Life Inc., which aims to rebuild the Tree of Life Synagogue and combat identity-based hate in all its forms. He was also the founding chair and remains on the board of Lost Tribe, the largest Jewish teen social media platform.
Solomon begins his tenure as chair during a period of significant momentum and growth for Jewish camp and FJC. A record high of nearly 200,000 young people participated in Jewish camp this past summer. FJC is also preparing to roll out its 2026 Strategic Vision, which will detail a roadmap to ensure that every Jewish camp is built to last and that every Jewish child has access to exceptional Jewish camp experiences.
“Jewish camp changed my life, instilling in me values such as empathy and fostering the critical leadership skills I’ve leaned on throughout my career,” Solomon said. “As incoming board chair of Foundation for Jewish Camp, I look forward to working with Jamie, the board, and FJC’s staff to ensure every Jewish child can have the same foundational, immersive, joyful Jewish experience that I did.”
Originally from Pittsburgh, Jeffrey and his wife Linda, who was also his prom date, reside in New York and have three grown children. His current term as FJC’s board chair is through 2029.
About Foundation for Jewish Camp
Foundation for Jewish Camp grows, supports, and strengthens the Jewish camp movement so camps can deliver exceptional experiences for campers, staff, families, and communities, engaging them in lifelong, joyful Judaism. Learn more at jewishcamp.org
