Rachel Stern
Bio

Throughout her 30-year career, Rachel Stern has been guided by a single, constant mission: building vibrant, resilient Jewish communities through the power of connection and lifelong learning. On July 1, 2026, Rachel will bring that mission to the helm of Shalom Austin as our newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.  

Rachel’s path to leadership has been defined by both academic rigor and hands-on communal service. She holds master’s degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Non-Profit Management from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and in recognition of 25 years of dedicated service to the Jewish world, she was awarded an honorary doctorate. Her professional journey has taken her through every corner of the nonprofit landscape—serving Federations, synagogues, seminaries and beyond.  

Most notably, Rachel spent more than 13 years as the first full-time Director of Education for the Goldring Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, where she built a foundation of excellence that still resonates today.  

After moving to Austin in 2018, she became the Inaugural Director of the Rapoport Center and the Chief Learning and Engagement Officer for Shalom Austin in 2018, further honing her expertise in large-scale organizational leadership. As of 2024, Rachel serves as Shalom Austin’s Executive Vice President, and Chief Strategy & Impact Officer. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Rachel’s greatest joy is her family. She and her husband, Scott, are the proud parents of Gabe, Lainey, Maddie and Charlie. When she isn’t shaping the future of the Jewish community, Rachel can be found recharging on a long run, enjoying happy hour with friends, or unwinding with a bit of low-brow television—a healthy balance she believes is essential for any leader.