Michael J. Abramowitz Named President of Freedom House
Washington – December 9, 2016 — Michael J. Abramowitz, director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Levine Institute for Holocaust Education and a distinguished former journalist at the Washington Post, will become president of Freedom House on February 6, 2017, the organization’s Board of Trustees announced today.
“Mike brings a unique set of talents through a career that has blended journalism, human rights, and museum education,” said Kenneth I. Juster, chairman of the Board. “He has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and creativity, especially in his efforts to expand the Holocaust Museum’s global reach and its work on genocide prevention. We are confident that Mike is the right person to strengthen Freedom House as a beacon in combating the growing threats to democracy and freedom around the world.”
“It’s a privilege to be joining Freedom House, especially at a time when its work is so essential,” Abramowitz said. “Its mission to promote freedom around the world and safeguard democratic institutions is more important than ever. I look forward to leading its accomplished and dedicated staff.”
In his work at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Abramowitz led the museum’s genocide prevention efforts. Now, as director of the Museum’s Levine Institute, he oversees its public education programs through exhibitions, training programs, and digital outreach.
Abramowitz was previously National Editor and then White House correspondent for the Washington Post. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and former fellow at the German Marshall Fund and the Hoover Institution. A graduate of Harvard College, he is also a board member of the National Security Archive.
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
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