ORT was founded in Russia in 1880. American ORT was founded in 1922, and Women's American ORT in 1927. The two American organizations were merged in 2007 to became ORT America. Because this is a period of transition for ORT in the United States some of the information provided below is for ORT America and some for Women's American ORT.

ORT America observes Jewish holidays and Shabbat. However offices do remain open on Friday evenings after candle lighting time. Employees may leave early on Fridays for religious reasons. Kosher food is provided at events and meetings,

Hope Kessler, National Executive Director

Hope Kessler is National Executive Director of ORT America, responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the organization. Prior to the merger of Women's American ORT and American ORT, she headed both organizations. She began her career at ORT as Executive Director of Women's American ORT in 2005. Previously, Ms. Kessler was New York University Medical Center's Vice Dean of Development where she was responsible for the completion of a $750 million capital campaign. Prior to her work at NYU, Kessler served as the Executive Vice President of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Foundation, where she managed all fundraising activities.

BOARD AND OFFICERS

Board Policies and Practices

Policy/Practice	Comment
Meeting frequency and attendance	The board meets twice a year. A majority was present at both of the last two meetings. The executive committee meets at least three time a year and holds additional conference calls as needed. A majority is required for a quorum. Click here to see ORT America's 2008 schedule of board and executive committee meetings..
Board tenure	Board members serve for a maximum of two consecutive three year terms, but become eligible to serve again after a three year interval. Tenure limits are somewhat more lenient for those who step down as officers. Officers generally serve one three-year term in any given office. However, one vice president at a time may serve a second three year term if elected.
CEO evaluation and compensation	The compensation committee, consists of the national president, chair of the executive committee, and the treasurer. The director of human resources serves as a resource for the committee. The by-laws indicate that the compensation committee is to review and approve the compensation of the executive director and others as deemed appropriate by the board, to insure the compensation is “just and reasonable.” No information was provided with regard to the criteria used by the compensation committee nor the frequency of review.
Conflict of interest policy	Click here to see ORT America conflict of interest policy.
Financial oversight and control	Finance Committee. The finance committee is charged with oversight of all financial matters including pensions, endowments, investments, preparation of financial plans, financial procedures, and policies and guidelines. Audit Committee. The by-laws require the audit committee to focus on (1) the effectiveness of internal control and risk management system; (2) the independent audit process. The Audit Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to its attention or otherwise, with full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel. The Audit Committee has the may hire independent counsel, accountants and other experts. All members of the audit committee are required by the by-laws to be financially literate, and at least one member must be a “financial expert”. No specific policies and practices regarding financial oversight and control were provided.
Program oversight and evaluation	Information not provided.
Board Self Evaluation	The board does not have specific policies or pratices for self-evaluation.
Assurance of compliance with national law	The audit committee is responsible for overseeing ORT America's process for monitoring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements. No specific policies and practices were provided with regard to complaince with US law.
Assurance of compliance with Jewish law	ORT America has no specific policies and practices to assure compliance with Jewish law.
Ethical behavior	The audit committee is responsible for overseeing ORT America's process for monitoring compliance with relevant ethical requirements. However, no specific policies and practices were provided.

ORT America has 81 full time staff member and 31 time staff members.

The highest salary, including benefits, for Women's American ORT was $251,308 in 2005-06; the second highest was $198,271.

No information was provided

Finances
Summary Financial Statement Year Ended June 30, 2006*
(in thousands of dollars)
Revenues
Public support (less bad debts)	12,243
Investment income	319
Other income	117
TOTAL REVENUES	12,679
EXPENSES AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
	Total	Program services	Mgt. & general	Fund- raising
Grants and allocations	4,413	4,413	0	0
Local regions and chapters at large**	2,277	1,616	68	592
Salaries and benefits	4,112	2,108	890	1,113
Professional fees	452	187	166	99
Occupancy	483	674	260	137
Printing and Publications	455	133	7	315
Supplies, telephone. Postage	298	124	36	138
Travel	148	110	26	12
Conferences and meetings	214	158	18	38
Other	374	195	149	30
TOTAL EXPENDITURES	13,225	9,304	1,447	2,475
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS	-546
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted funds		5,516
Temporarily restricted funds		1,835
Permanently restricted funds		1,031
TOTAL NET ASSETS		8,382

Financial statements were audited by Loeb & Troper