April 4, 2024 — Houston
American Jewish Committee Names Rachel Schneider As Houston Regional Director
HOUSTON—April 4, 2024—American Jewish Committee (AJC) has named Rachel Schneider the director of its Houston regional office.
Schneider has been assistant director of the Houston office since March 2022 and in her new role, will continue to further AJC’s mission as the global Jewish advocacy organization that stands up for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security; confronts antisemitism, and upholds the democratic values that unite Jews and their allies around the world.
“It’s an incredible honor to take on this important work at a pivotal moment for the Jewish people,” Schneider said. “The Jewish community in Houston has a long and vibrant history of not only engaging on core issues like Israel and fighting antisemitism, but in also reaching out to other groups and faiths to find common ground. I’m excited to further enhance that legacy.”
Prior to joining AJC, Schneider was an Assistant District Attorney in Brazoria and Harris counties, before going into private practice specializing in criminal law and family law. Schneider is a graduate of Michigan State University and South Texas College of Law Houston.
“With Rachel’s appointment, the entire leadership of AJC Houston region - together with so many partners in the greater Houston Jewish community - are thrilled to know that the region will go from strength to strength,” said AJC Board of Governors Chair Bobby Lapin, a Houston native. “Rachel will harness her remarkable skill set to bring an energy and passion for AJC‘s mission to everything she does. We could not be more delighted.”
AJC Houston engages with the third-largest consular corps in the U.S. through private briefings and public events. In collaboration with AJC's Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs, the office also engages with key Latino community leaders, elected officials, diplomats, and advocacy organizations.
“Rachel made this an easy choice. She has impressed us with her intelligence, dedication, and focus on what matters most to Jewish interests from the start,” said AJC Chief Field Operations Officer Melanie Maron Pell. “She will no doubt become one of the shining stars of Houston’s Jewish community.”
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 offices across the United States, 14 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
