May 6, 2025
Bobby Lapin, a longtime activist in the Jewish community, has been named president of American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people.
Lapin, who was previously chair of the AJC Board of Governors, succeeds Michael Tichnor, who concluded his three-year term. Lapin was formally elected national president by the Board of Governors at AJC Global Forum in New York on April 27.
“I am excited to take on this role at a pivotal time for the Jewish people,” Lapin said. “AJC has an unparalleled role in the fight against antisemitism across the globe while being a staunch defender of Israel. AJC’s lay leadership stands ready to continue its support and guidance to further this vitally important work.”
Lapin, of Houston, is a founder of Lapin & Landa, L.L.P., a civil trial firm, where he specializes in commercial litigation, personal injury and wrongful death, securities arbitration, employment law, and product liability.
In addition to his service on the Board of Governors and AJC Executive Council, Lapin has also chaired AJC’s National Legal Committee as well as its Contemporary Jewish Life Committee, and was president of AJC Houston. He has also served as President of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, President of the Board of Trustees of the Emery/Weiner School, President of Congregation Beth Israel, and Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.
“Bobby’s unbridled enthusiasm for AJC and our work has been infectious,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said. “He has set an example for others by turning words into actions. I can’t imagine having a better partner to work with in fulfilling AJC’s mission to advance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel.”
Lapin will be succeeded as Board of Governors chair by Melanie Nelkin of Atlanta.
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 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.
