Brandeis Magazine

Boston philanthropy executive Zamira Korff will join Brandeis as senior vice president of institutional advancement, leading the university’s alumni-relations and advancement efforts. She succeeds Nancy Winship, P’10, P’13, who stepped down in June to become President Ron Liebowitz’s chief philanthropic adviser.

Korff, who begins her new role on Oct. 23, has spent nearly two decades at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Boston, most recently as senior vice president of strategic philanthropy. In that role, she worked with CJP’s top donors, leading a $12 million-plus capital campaign, and raising $55 million annually to sustain and expand CJP’s operations and community programs. She also developed the Israel and overseas agenda for CJP’s 2008 Strategic Plan.

“Brandeis has a deeply inspiring mission, and I am both thrilled and honored to have been chosen to lead philanthropic strategy and activity in support of that mission,” Korff said when her appointment was announced in early September.

“Zamira has a proven track record in establishing a philanthropic strategy, and leading creative and highly successful campaigns that deeply resonate with donors,” says Liebowitz. “I know her warmth, intelligence, energy and good humor will be embraced by Brandeis supporters, alumni, parents and students.”

CJP President Barry Shrage, H’17, praises Korff’s leadership. “She was a great partner to me as we developed our vision for the future of CJP,” Shrage says. “She was also a wonderful advocate for new and innovative programs, helping us integrate planning and fundraising, vision and implementation, while at the same time developing strong relationships with donors and foundation staff.”

Before coming to Boston, Korff served as legislative aide to the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs in Washington, D.C. On behalf of then-Senator Joseph Biden, chair of the subcommittee, Korff helped create legislation on such foreign-policy issues as arms control, collective security, free-enterprise initiatives and market development in the newly emerging democracies of Eastern Europe. She also worked on issues related to the conflict in Bosnia and the role of the United Nations as peacekeeper in the post-Cold War world.

Korff earned her bachelor’s degree from the School of International Service at American University, in Washington, D.C.