L.A. community leader to become third woman to serve in top volunteer leadership role
New York, NY, September 12, 2024 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today announced the election of Nicole Mutchnik as chair-elect of ADL’s Board of Directors. Currently vice chair of the board, Nicole is a well-known community leader in Los Angeles who has served in various regional and national leadership positions over the last two decades, including as chair of the Los Angeles regional board.
“At a time when we are facing unprecedented levels of antisemitism, we are fortunate to have a leader of Nicole’s experience and caliber moving into our top volunteer leadership role,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “Nicole’s commitment and passion for our mission of fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate has been demonstrated over many years of leadership in L.A. and nationally. This is a natural progression for her, and we deeply appreciate her and her service.”
Nicole is a longtime advisor to elected officials and philanthropic and business leaders, building solutions across government, nonprofit and business sectors. She is currently vice chair of ADL, the nation’s oldest anti-hate organization, and has previously served on its national executive committee and governance committee. In Los Angeles, she was the regional board chair, vice chair and secretary. She also serves on the boards of the Women’s Political Committee, the Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA, the Aspen Institute Leadership Council, Civicas Women’s Civic Action Network, and Mayor Karen Bass’ Transition Advisory Committee.
Nicole is co-founder of the California Democracy Fund and previously worked in government and politics. She attended the University of Pennsylvania Master’s program in Government Administration as a Fels Scholar and earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from UCLA. She is married to Allan Mutchnik, and they have three children.
“In this era of polarization and pain for the Jewish community and America at large, I have deep faith that American values of respect, tolerance and goodwill will prevail over extremism, hatred and violence,” said Mutchnik. “At a pivotal time, amidst a surge of antisemitism in the U.S. and the world, I have never been more committed to ADL’s fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Fortunately, I stand in very good company and look forward to working closely with our world-class staff, volunteers and supporters to advance our urgent mission.”
A native of Los Angeles, Nicole will serve a three-year term, succeeding outgoing board chair Ben Sax. When her board term commences in January 2025, she will be the third woman to serve as a national board chair.
“Nicole has been a tremendous partner in steering our board and leadership through incredibly difficult times,” said Sax. “There’s really no one better suited or more knowledgeable to lead our board through this time of rising antisemitism and hate.”
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.