Richard S. Abramson Elected President of The Washington Institute

Richard S. Abramson, a leader in the worlds of investment and philanthropy, was elected president of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the organization announced today.

Mr. Abramson currently serves as secretary of the Institute's board of directors and chair of its investment committee. He and his wife Lorraine, trustees of the organization for more than twenty years, were honored for their commitment to the Institute at the 2012 Scholar-Statesman Award Dinner.

"Lorraine and I have watched the Institute grow into the influential institution it is today," Abramson said. "I look forward to building on the foundation laid by my predecessors and working closely with Institute professionals to meet the challenges we now face in the Middle East."

"Richard is a wonderfully creative, energetic and thoughtful person," said Executive Director Robert Satloff. "His passion for our work and his deep understanding of foreign policy will contribute enormously to helping the Institute pursue our mission."

Mr. Abramson will begin his term on January 1, succeeding Martin J. Gross, who is completing his second two-year term as president. Mr. Gross will succeed Howard Berkowitz as chairman of the board of trustees.

The senior national managing director for Alliance Bernstein, Mr. Abramson has also served as a leader of the North Shore–LIJ Health System, American Friends of Hebrew University, the Legacy Heritage Fund, and the Association of Graduates-US Air Force Academy. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Babson College.