May 15, 2008 08:00 ET

The Forward Appoints Jane Eisner, Veteran Journalist, as New Editor-In-Chief

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - The Forward, America's most influential Jewish newsweekly, today announced it had nominated Jane Eisner as its new editor-in-chief.

Eisner, former editorial page editor and syndicated columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, held numerous executive editorial and news positions at the paper from 1980-2005. She is currently vice president for National Programs and Initiatives at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Her column, "American Rhythms," syndicated to 100 newspapers, focused on domestic social issues. Her tenure at the highly respected Philadelphia daily also included stints as City Hall bureau chief and as foreign correspondent.

Eisner has contributed articles to a number of Jewish publications including The Reconstructionist, Ma'ayan, The Forward as well as Brookings Review, Washington Post, Newsday and Columbia Journalism Review. Her TV news experience includes serving as a regular panelist on "Inside Story," WPVI Philadelphia's Sunday television talk show. Eisner also authored "Taking Back the Vote: Getting American Youth Involved in our Democracy."

In announcing her nomination, Forward Publisher Samuel Norich said, "After an exhaustive search, we determined that Jane Eisner offers an ideal combination of journalistic experience, civic vision and high regard for the Forward's historic role. She has great ideas, insights and ambition for the Forward's future and we're extremely excited to have her on board."

The Forward's previous Editor-In-Chief, J.J. Goldberg, stepped down to write a book, but continues to serve as editorial director. Eisner's nomination as editor-in-chief is expected to be approved in a Forward Association meeting on Sunday, May 18.

"I'm honored to be part of a newspaper with such a grand journalistic and literary tradition," Eisner said. "Building on that tradition and with the help of such a talented and devoted staff, I believe that the Forward will continue to be the most influential voice in the American Jewish community and a force for social justice throughout the world."

Since 2002, Eisner has been a senior fellow at the Robert A. Fox Leadership Program, University of Pennsylvania, as an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department where she works with faculty, colleagues and students to create new leadership programs.

An active community member, Eisner serves as trustee and secretary of The Philadelphia Award, serves on the board of directors of the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, and on the on the advisory committee of the National Conference on Citizenship. She is also on regional council of the New Israel Fund and a member of the Columbia School of Journalism Alumni Task Force.

Eisner received a master's degree from Columbia University's School of Journalism and graduated from Wesleyan University cum laude in 1977, where she was the first female editor of the college newspaper.

She currently resides in Merion, PA with her husband, Dr. Mark Berger, and their three daughters.

ABOUT THE FORWARD: The Forward, published weekly since 1990, is widely regarded as American Jewry's essential newspaper of record. TheJewishDailyForward.Com (www.forward.com) is the daily updated, online version of America's most influential Jewish weekly. The Forward is committed to rigorous reporting and balanced, thoughtful commentary on news, politics and culture in the Jewish world. The award-winning staff has enhanced the paper's reputation for incisive, hard-hitting reportage with a populist, progressive spirit that was the paper's hallmark since the original Yiddish version began publishing in 1897. Headquartered in New York, the newspaper is owned by the Forward Association, Inc., a 501(c) 4 corporation. It is published on Fridays and is available on newsstands nationwide as well as by subscription. For more information visit http://www.forward.com.