Melinda Goldrich to Lead the USC Shoah Foundation Board of Councilors Beginning July 2025
Melinda Goldrich Appointed Chair of USC Shoah Foundation
In a significant leadership change, Melinda Goldrich has been appointed as the Chair of the Board of Councilors for the USC Shoah Foundation, effective July 1, 2025. This prestigious foundation, dedicated to promoting knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust and preventing future atrocities, welcomes Goldrich in succession to outgoing chair Joel Citron, whose term is concluding at the end of June.
Goldrich's role marks the continuation of her longstanding commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education. Having served as the board's vice chair prior to this appointment, she brings both experience and passion to the position. Her election took place during a meeting held on June 3, 2025, in New York City, signaling a new chapter for the foundation under her leadership.
In a statement about her appointment, Dr. Robert J. Williams, CEO of the USC Shoah Foundation, praised Goldrich’s dedication to the mission of the foundation, highlighting her personal and professional connections to Holocaust education. He stated, "Melinda brings an unwavering commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance, grounded in deep personal and professional ties to the mission of the USC Shoah Foundation." He emphasized that her leadership and vision will be invaluable as the foundation plans for its next phase.
Goldrich is best known for her role as president of the Goldrich Family Foundation, which notably supports various Jewish and humanitarian initiatives across the globe. Her dedication to Holocaust education is further exemplified by her generous contributions to the USC Shoah Foundation, including a substantial donation in 2017 for the establishment of the Jona Goldrich Center for Digital Storytelling. This center is named in honor of her father, Jona Goldrich, a Holocaust survivor whose testimony is preserved within the foundation's significant archives.
Reflecting on her new role, Goldrich expressed her reverence for the legacy and testimonies of Holocaust survivors that the foundation aims to protect and share. She stated, "It is an honor to step into this role and continue the work that Joel and so many others have carried forward with such dedication. The legacy of my father, and of all survivors whose testimonies live within this archive, inspires me every day."
Joel Citron, who has guided the institute through transformative growth and strategic direction since he took on the role of Chair in 2022, underscored his confidence in Goldrich's leadership. He remarked on her deep connection to the mission of Holocaust education, noting that her unwavering commitment will enhance the foundation’s efforts in combating antisemitism and ensuring that historical lessons are not forgotten.
Beyond her work with the USC Shoah Foundation, Goldrich actively engages with other institutions devoted to Jewish education and Holocaust remembrance. She serves on the Board for the Holocaust Museum LA, which was also established in part through her father's efforts, and she participates in various community initiatives that aim to foster Jewish continuity and awareness of historical injustices.
As she steps into this new role, Goldrich is poised to address the future challenges and opportunities facing the foundation, including expanding its global reach and amplifying its commitment to education based on survivor testimonials. The USC Shoah Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to collect, preserve, and share these testimonies, aiming to raise awareness, combat intolerance, and build a future where genocide has no place.
In conclusion, Melinda Goldrich's appointment as Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation Board marks a new era for the organization, as it continues its vital work in Holocaust education and genocide prevention. Her leadership promises to uphold the foundational goals of preserving historical testimonies and fostering understanding among future generations.