New Head of School: New England Jewish Academy

Naty Katz has been chosen as the new Head of School for New England Jewish Academy (NEJA) in West Hartford. He will lead NEJA toward an exciting future for Jewish day school education in the Western Massachusetts, and Connecticut’s Greater Hartford and New Haven areas.

During his 10 years of leading Maimonides School in Brookline, Massachusetts, Katz oversaw a full curriculum review and overhaul, and transformed the process of hiring and developing teachers. During this past year, he has served as the interim Head of School of Hillel Day School of Detroit.

Katz impressed the search committee, board of directors and parents during the interview process. His energy, pursuit of institutional improvement, vision for elevating the role of the school in the community, and personable manner and his lifelong commitment to the ideals of Modern Orthodox Judaism were clear drivers of his past success and future motivations. “We believe that Naty is exactly the right person to lead us at this time,” said Dr. Sid Ulreich, Chair of the Search Committee. “With his background as a successful businessman, an accomplished head of school and a day school veteran, he brings the kind of expertise that we need to take NEJA forward in this complicated period.”

Prior to joining Maimonides in a professional capacity, Katz founded two successful startup companies, H2O Furnishings and Dana Lighting. He also became a member of the Maimonides School Board of Directors with a focus on school fundraising and marketing. Katz took on the role of executive director in 2008 before becoming the head of the school. He is a lifelong devotee of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, z”l, considered the founder and spiritual pillar of Modern Orthodox Judaism.

Find out more about New England Jewish Academy at neja.org.