New interim CEO at HMREC

The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida announced that it has hired Emily Sterling as its interim CEO. Sterling's first day at the Holocaust Center was July 22.

Sterling replaces HMREC Chief Executive Officer Talli Dippold, who accepted a leadership position at an out-of-state nonprofit organization and stepped down at the end of June.

Leading the organization since 2022, Dippold expanded the reach of the Holocaust Center's educational offerings - solidifying core programs and growing a network of K-12 educators in Central Florida.  During her tenure, Dippold continued expanding the exhibition slate for the upcoming year, both onsite and in the community. Under her leadership, a dedicated team of museum professionals and Holocaust educators was established, to bring museum best practices as the center carries forward its mission to future generations.

"We greatly appreciate Talli's leadership, efforts, and expertise as our organization emerged from the pandemic and answered the call of Oct.7th.  We wish her nothing but great success and know that we will have a supporter and friend for life," said Ron Schirtzer, president of the Holocaust Center Board of Directors.

Sterling has been a strategic-thought partner to thousands of innovative and influential philanthropists, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, boards, corporations, and governments for more than three decades, including dozens of Jewish organizations. She has helped philanthropists, foundations, and nonprofit CEOs and boards navigate new opportunities, complicated challenges, and big decisions. Sterling has more than 30 years of expertise working with nonprofit and social impact organizations during executive transitions.

"We are dedicated to maintaining our core principles and mission during this period of transition," said Schirtzer. "Emily brings to the table the skills and experience that will allow us to do that without skipping a beat.  We are thrilled to welcome her to Orlando." 

Before founding her advisory business Emily Sterling Consulting, Sterling was the founder, sole owner and CEO of Olive Grove Consulting. Based in Northern California's Silicon Valley, Olive Grove operated for nearly 20 years across the world with the vision of "A Vibrant and Just Society," and a staff of 15 along with dozens of affiliated consultants and firms. Prior to Olive Grove, Sterling worked at global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney (now Kearney). She has also served on several nonprofit boards.

"The work of the Holocaust Center could not be more relevant at a time of rising antisemitism and increasing urgency to foster a just and caring community," said Sterling. "It is my honor to join this important organization and I look forward to continuing its critical mission and helping forge the path toward its next chapter."

Serving Central Florida for more than 40 years, last month the Holocaust Center welcomed 150 teachers from across the state for a powerful week of programming, discussions and conversations with leading Holocaust experts as part of this year's Dr. Norman M. Wall Teachers' Institute. The educators participated in 15 powerful learning sessions held over the course of one week, covering important aspects of Holocaust pedagogy and effective techniques to ensure these lessons connect with students.