MAITLAND, Fla. (July 22, 2024) — The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida (the Holocaust Center) announced that it has hired Emily Sterling as its interim CEO. Sterling’s first day at the Holocaust Center is today, July 22. Sterling has been a strategic thought partner to thousands of innovative and influential philanthropists, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, boards, corporations, and governments for more than three decades, including dozens of Jewish organizations. She has helped philanthropists, foundations, and nonprofit CEOs and boards navigate new opportunities, complicated challenges, and big decisions. Sterling has more than 30 years of expertise working with nonprofit and social impact organizations during executive transitions.
“We are dedicated to maintaining our core principles and mission during this period of transition,” said Ron Schirtzer, President of the Holocaust Center Board of Directors. “Emily brings to the table the skills and experience that will allow us to do that without skipping a beat. We are thrilled to welcome her to Orlando.”
Before founding her advisory business Emily Sterling Consulting, Sterling was the founder, sole owner and CEO of Olive Grove Consulting. Based in Northern California’s Silicon Valley, Olive Grove operated for nearly 20 years across the world with the vision of “A Vibrant and Just Society,” and a staff of 15 along with dozens of affiliated consultants and firms. Prior to Olive Grove, Sterling worked at global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney (now Kearney). She
has also served on several nonprofit boards.
“The work of the Holocaust Center could not be more relevant at a time of rising antisemitism and increasing urgency to foster a just and caring community,” said Emily Sterling, Interim CEO of the Holocaust Center. “It is my honor to join this important organization and I look forward to continuing its critical mission and helping forge the path toward its next chapter.” Serving Central Florida for more than 40 years, last month the Holocaust Center welcomed 150 teachers from across the state for a powerful week of programming, discussions and conversations with leading Holocaust experts as part of this year’s Dr. Norman M. Wall Teachers’ Institute. The educators participated in 15 powerful learning sessions held over the course of one week, covering important aspects of Holocaust pedagogy and effective techniques to ensure these lessons connect with students.
ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE & EDUCATION CENTER
Founded in 1980 as a series of lectures on the Holocaust, the Center opened its current museum in 1986. It was founded by Holocaust Survivor and local philanthropist, Tess Wise. Located near Orlando, the Holocaust Center attracts visitors from around the world. Their mission is to use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to build a just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Through their outreach of educational and cultural programs and exhibits, they teach the principles of good citizenship to people of all ages, religions, races, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds every year.
