Business executive and Jewish communal leader Tim R. Cohen will become the vice president of development for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. Currently the president and founder of the retail marketing group Then and There Decisions, Cohen will begin his appointment on April 4.

"Hillel is fortunate to find someone like Tim, who demonstrates an extraordinary passion and dedication for the Jewish community, to lead our development department," said Hillel President Avraham Infeld. "He brings much energy and enthusiasm to such a vital role in our organization."

"I am excited to have the privilege to lead the development effort of this strategic organization," Cohen said. "The college years are a pivotal time for Jewish students, and Hillel is well-positioned to have a powerful impact on both the individual student and the broader Jewish community. Needless to say, this can only happen if we have the necessary funds to continue to implement the programs that Hillel has established in both the U.S. and around the world."

Cohen has a lifetime of accomplishment in the retail industry. In 1989, he founded Then and There Decisions, a retail marketing/consulting group that focuses on the supermarket industry. He created market-share programs that enhanced consumer loyalty in leading supermarket chains such as Kroger, Super Valu, Ralphs, Wegmans and Giant Eagle. Cohen was also founder and president/CEO of Genesis, an Israel development group that brings Israeli technology to American markets, and also previously served as the president/COO of ModernAge, Florida's largest independent furniture retailer.

Cohen's involvement in the Jewish community is just as deep. He has served on the executive committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation; Israel Bonds - Miami; AIPAC – Miami; ADL – Miami; Jewish Community Council - Detroit; and the Fresh Air Society - Detroit. A longtime supporter of the federation movement, Cohen served as campaign chair for Retail/Home Furnishings Division – Miami; co-chair of Pacesetter Division ($10,000+) – Miami; co-chair of Super Sunday – Miami; and National Campaign co-chair for Young Leadership Cabinet – Miami/Boston. He was a member of Young Leadership Cabinet of UJA from 1982 to 1989 and held many national portfolios.

Cohen earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Cohen's wife, Helene, is the founding dean of the Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit. They have four adult children, Shoshanna, Jacob, Katie and Josh.