Buffalo, New York Image by iStock

The head of a major Jewish not-for-profit in Buffalo, New York, has resigned, The Buffalo News reported.

Peter Fleischmann, who’s been CEO at the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies since 1982, has been on paid leave since late June. Since then, an outside firm has been reviewing the policies of the foundation, which supports Jewish charities and manages nearly $200 million in assets.

Foundation officials said the resignation was not prompted by a “financial audit” and declined to specify why Fleischmann left. However, they said they don’t suspect any criminal activity.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Fleischmann’s resignation went into effect Aug.17, according to a statement given to the Buffalo News.

“I can say that I fully support the actions taken by the board in their investigation,” Fleischmann told The News on Thursday. “They have handled a sensitive matter in a most professional and fair manner. I thought it was in the best interests of the foundation to submit my resignation, which I did last week and it was accepted.”

The outside investigation continues, according to The News, in which auditors are looking at processes related to the handling of donations to the foundation.

The foundation has formed a search committee to find a new CEO. Fleischmann said he is willing to help the next leader transition into the role. He also said he is cooperating with the investigation; however, he declined to comment on whether he has met with the outside auditors conducting the probe.

Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount