The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) has named Hope Kramer its chief executive officer.  Hope has served as the interim executive director since October 2009.   

Hope's former position was as president and CEO of BETA Center, Central Florida’s premier service network for pregnant and parenting teens and their families. She led BETA through a growth period that included a $3.5 million debt-free expansion, and oversaw the tripling of its budget from 1997 to 2008. Prior to joining BETA, Hope was executive director of The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, and was Central Florida division director for the March of Dimes. From 1993 – 1995, Hope served as president of The Jewish Community Center Maitland, Florida, the first woman president in the Center’s history. While at the JCC, she helped coordinate a successful capital campaign to fund construction of the new infant-toddler center. In 2008, Jewish Family Services presented her with its George Wolly Community Leadership Award.

Hope was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and has lived in Orlando for 27 years.  She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of Maryland and an MBA from Rollins College Crummer School of Business.  JFGO's leadership is very excited to have Hope leading the organization as it moves towards the future. 

“This is B’sheret.  The first time we approached Hope, the timing wasn’t right; the second time, we got her part-time; now, we’ve got her all the way.  Hope brings credibility, business smarts, passion, and a love of her community to this position.  We’re ecstatic to have her,” said Federation President Ian Robinson. 

This executive search was conducted by the Jewish Federation of  Greater Orlando with assistance from the  Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence.  The Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence provides a full range of Federation executive search services, including on-site meetings with Federation leaders, candidate screening, and consultation throughout the search process.