David Englin most recently served as president of the Los Angeles County Business Federation. (photo courtesy of ADL)

The Anti-Defamation League announced the appointment of David Englin as the new senior regional director of ADL Los Angeles. Englin steps into the role at a critical time, as antisemitism and extremism continue to challenge communities across Southern California. In 2024 alone, ADL documented 532 incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism and assault in Los Angeles.

Englin brings more than 25 years of diverse leadership experience spanning public service, nonprofit management and coalition-building. Most recently, he served as president of the Los Angeles County Business Federation, also known as BizFed, representing 420,000 employers across Southern California. He mobilized business leaders to advocate for policies that grow the economy, create jobs and strengthen communities – while also engaging on critical issues such as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide strategy to combat antisemitism and recent legislation to protect California’s K-12 students from antisemitism and hate.

“I’m honored to join the ADL team at this pivotal moment, when our work is more urgent than ever. As a Jewish husband and father, a veteran and an advocate for justice, I feel compelled to confront rising antisemitism and hate that betray America’s founding pledge to give ‘to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,’” Englin said. “I’m joining a dedicated team built on a solid foundation, and together with our partners, we will stand up to antisemitism and extremism and build stronger, safer communities for all Angelenos.”

Previously, Englin served as chief operating officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, overseeing 8,000 staff and volunteers serving 10 million residents. He shepherded the organization’s transition to an equity-driven service model, expanding disaster preparedness in socially vulnerable communities and helping secure millions in philanthropic support.

Englin’s public service roots run deep. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served as a military spokesperson and public affairs strategist before being elected to the Virginia General Assembly, where he was one of only four Jewish legislators. He championed the rights of women, immigrants and minorities, including partnering with the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus to defeat discriminatory legislation rooted in Christian nationalism.

“We are thrilled to welcome David Englin as senior regional director of ADL Los Angeles,” said Michael Garfinkel, ADL Los Angeles Board chair. “David’s proven leadership, deep community relationships and unwavering commitment to ADL’s mission make him the right leader at this critical time.”

Englin succeeds Jeffrey I. Abrams, who led the ADL’s Los Angeles regional office from 2020-25.

For information, visit adl.org.