The Workers Circle Announces Melissa Karachalios as Deputy Executive Director and Development Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449
The Workers Circle Announces Melissa Karachalios as Deputy Executive Director and Development Director
(New York, N.Y.)—The Workers Circle today announced the appointment of Melissa Karachalios as Deputy Executive Director and Development Director of the 120-year-old social justice nonprofit.
Since joining the organization in June 2018, Ms. Karachalios has served as Director of Development and External Affairs, leading the Workers Circle’s 120th-anniversary campaign, marketing and communications efforts to announce its new name, growing its donor base, founding a Legacy Society, and organizing a series of successful fundraising events.
“Melissa has created a true sea change in our work as an impactful nonprofit, increasing engagement and support,” said Workers Circle CEO Ann Toback. “She has an extraordinary ability to connect all our social justice, Yiddish, education, and Jewish culture programs into a cohesive vision that will continue to grow our organization for our next 120 years of social justice and cultural activism. I am excited to be partnering with Melissa as my Deputy Executive Director to continue our incredible journey.”
“I am extremely grateful to be a part of an organization that truly has made a difference for more than a century,” Ms. Karachalios said. “The commitment to achieve social justice and preserve Jewish culture aligns with my Eastern European Jewish heritage and my passion to advocate for change. My grandmother’s first and most beloved language was Yiddish, and I feel that I pay tribute to her life and memory, and those of all my ancestors, by working for an organization that is keeping the language alive.”
She added, “Even during a tumultuous year when social distancing has become the norm, I continue to be inspired by and find community and connection with my colleagues and our supporters and members who take part in our Yiddish classes, turn out for our online events, and participate in our activism – all dedicated to fighting injustices and creating a better world for all.”
Ms. Karachalios has more than two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. Previously, she served as Division Director, Member and Unit Services at Hadassah, WZOA, Inc., where she directed a large team, located in New York City, and in many offices throughout the country, on all membership outreach and engagement initiatives. Prior to that she served as Director, Membership and Communications, at National Council of Jewish Women, Inc. (NCJW, Inc.).