Leadership Transitions Here at OneVoice

We are writing to share some important and exciting internal news here at OneVoice. Mara Lee Durrell, our longtime CEO who has been with the organization for nearly a decade, will be stepping down from her role at the end of the month. Starting as our International Organizing Director in 2014 based in the Middle East, Mara has been responsible for some of the most innovative and groundbreaking work in our history. This includes the realization of our strategic regional partners from memos on paper to two of the most forceful and effective movements in Israel and Palestine, respectively. Despite spending her days steeped in the complexity of the conflict, she has never failed to approach her work with optimism, creativity, and kindness toward everyone she interacted with. 

We wish Mara the best in her next steps (including transitioning into a OneVoice supporter and volunteer in her own right!), and are equally excited to announce that Will Schneider, the Senior Director of Development for OneVoice, will step in as Interim CEO. Will brings deep experience working with American and European philanthropists, as well as more than a year as a senior member of the management team at OneVoice. 

We welcome Will's leadership and guidance at a key moment for the region. Violence is at its highest point in years and peace sometimes seems beyond our reach. We know too well that when the work gets hard many people shy away or can lose hope. 

In fact, that was why OneVoice was founded: at the height of the Second Intifada, with a recognition that in these times more than ever, moderate voices needed to be heard. Transforming the conflict is necessary for the safety and security of our friends and families throughout the region, for economic prosperity, and for environmental sustainability. OneVoice will never compromise that vision. 

OneVoice will however always adapt to the challenge ahead, and after 20 years we continue to innovate our programs to maximize our impact. Mara's departure has invited us to evaluate the ways OneVoice can best support those making change on the ground in the region. After finalizing a strategic and structural review this summer, we look forward to reintroducing you to OneVoice soon.

In the meantime, we invite you to reach out with any questions and thank you for your continued support. 

Jeff & Lois

Jeffrey Solomon

OneVoice Board Co-Chair

Lois Perelson-Gross

OneVoice Board Co-Chair