Michael Horowitz Leaving Federation

Michael Horowitz announced Tuesday, Sept. 8, that he is resigning as the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, effective in February.

Horowitz has held Federation’s top job since the fall of 2011, when he filled the vacancy left when Steve Rakitt became the CEO of the Greater Washington Federation.

Horowitz did not disclose exact plans for post-Federation life, only that he and wife Barbara will “pursue the many dreams and opportunities that were put on hold” when he was hired four years and day before his resignation announcement.

He had been a philanthropist and Federation lay leader in Detroit before taking the Atlanta job.

“Michael has been a dedicated, inspirational and successful president and CEO over the past four years,” Federation Chairman Howard Feinsand said in an email announcement. “Our Federation is a much stronger organization thanks to his leadership and passion for our causes.”

A past Federation chairman, Gerry Benjamin, will lead the search for Horowitz’s successor, beginning right after the Jewish holidays. Horowitz agreed to stay until February to assist the search and enable a smooth transition, Feinsand said.

Two of Jewish Atlanta’s most prominent communal institutions now are looking for leaders at the same time. Marcus Jewish Community Center CEO Gail Luxenberg resigned in early August.