FT. LAUDERDALE, FL—June 25, 2020—The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science announced that James Konschnik, CFRE, has been appointed Executive Director of its Florida Region. Mr. Konschnik will play a critical role in advancing local philanthropic efforts to support the Weizmann Institute, a top-ranking, multidisciplinary research institution located in Rehovot, Israel. He succeeds Richard Enslein, who has led the Florida Region since 2008 and will remain actively involved with its fundraising initiatives.
Mr. Konschnik brings to the American Committee extensive experience in fundraising, specifically in the medical and academic arena. For the past five years, he served as Director of Development, Major Gifts at the Miami Transplant Institute (MTI) of the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. In this role, he oversaw major gifts solicitation, planned giving, and more for the nation’s largest organ transplant center. He successfully secured more than $31 million in major gifts for MTI.
Prior to his position at MTI, he served as CEO of the Transplant Foundation, Inc. in Miami, a statewide education, advocacy, and grantmaking transplant organization. He was previously President & CEO of the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Over the past 20 years, he has also held numerous local leadership roles, including as Board Chair of the Community Health Charities of Florida and Executive Director of Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Konschnik recently earned a Master of Science in leadership and management from the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. He has been designated a Certified Fund Raising Executive by CFRE International.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the American Committee, after an extensive search,” said CEO Dave Doneson. “Jim’s impressive fundraising achievements, leadership skills, and deep community ties in South Florida will be assets as we expand our presence in this important region.”
“The Weizmann Institute inspires me because its fields of research are so vast and its remarkable breakthroughs touch everyone,” Mr. Konschnik added. “I look forward to building upon the American Committee’s solid foundation of support in the region by growing our donor base and broadening awareness of the Institute’s vital work.”
