Susan Aurelia Gitelson, PhD

Having accrued more than four decades of professional experience, Susan Aurelia Gitelson, PhD is an esteemed philanthropist, scholar and consultant spanning international and cross-cultural collaboration and organizational giving. Inspired by the philanthropy and business mind of her father, she had been preparing for an exceptional career since her youth. Upon earning a Bachelor of Arts in history from Barnard College, Dr. Gitelson attained a Master of International Affairs at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs and a Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia University. She also conducted study at the University of California, Berkeley and received an honorary degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2004.

Following an internship with the Rockefeller Foundation, Dr. Gitelson commenced her academic career as an assistant professor of international relations at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She later served as the director of international affairs and the third world for the World Jewish Congress. From there, she went on to become an entrepreneur in the housewares and scientific equipment industries as president of Magic Touch Icewares International Corporation (MTIIC) from 1991 to 2009, as well as a consultant on international culture and affairs as president of International Consultants, Inc. beginning in the 1980s. In addition, Dr. Gitelson was president of SJ International Corp. from 1981 to 1995 and a marketing sales consultant to Bel-Art from 2010 to 2014.

As a widely-recognized expert on policy and organizational development, Dr. Gitelson has been active as an advisor or board member for numerous institutions, including Columbia University as co-chair of the SIPA Dean’s Council and president of the SIPA alumni association. She has also served on the boards of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, the Center for the Study of the Presidency, the National Institute of Social Studies, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace, the Einstein Visionaries Society, Network 20/20, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and other institutions.

Notably, Dr. Gitelson is the namesake of the Gitelson-Meyerowitz Human Rights Essay Award at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Likewise, she has been the recipient of the Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service and Outstanding Service Award from Columbia University, as well as the Einstein Visionaries Award. Extensively published in professional and academic journals and the author of numerous written works, Dr. Gitelson attributes her vast success to adaptability and the desire to learn. Looking ahead, she hopes to enjoy the continued growth and success of her various professional and civic endeavors.