Orthodox Union-Teach NYS applauded the naming of New York State Policy Director Jake Adler to City & State’s Albany Rising Stars: 40 Under Forty list for 2016. The annual compilation, part of City & State’s special “Rising Stars” issue, celebrates emerging leaders in the worlds of New York politics, government and advocacy.

Since joining the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center in 2013, Adler has played an integral role in OU-Teach NYS’ fight to make non-public education excellent, safe and affordable for every Jewish family. As Policy Director for OU-Teach NYS, Adler brings the voices of New York’s Jewish day school community to elected officials and key political players in Albany and New York City.

Adler says one of his greatest accomplishments during the past year was successfully advocating for the city and state governments to provide tens of millions of dollars in new funding for Jewish and other non-public schools across the state, including $20 million for security guards at non-public schools in New York City.

“I like to do good and I truly appreciate being part of the dedicated team at OU Advocacy,” Adler said. “This has been a collective effort – from my colleagues at our state offices to our many member-schools and organizations. Together we’ve done so much to better educate and protect school children not only in New York but across the country.”

Adler, 30, previously served as associate director and later director of field operations for the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center. Before that, he held a number of positions in the office of New York City Council Member David Greenfield, ultimately serving as deputy chief of staff. He got his start in the political world as an aide to then-City Council member Simcha Felder, now a state senator. Adler, a native of Northport on Long Island’s north shore, is a graduate of Touro College.

“On behalf of everyone at the Orthodox Union, I would like to congratulate Jake on this well-deserved honor,” said Maury Litwack, Director of State Affairs for the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center. “Jake’s work reflects his finely tuned advocacy skills and deep commitment to the Jewish community, and he has become an invaluable member of our team. We thank Jake for all he has done for the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, and look forward to all of his future successes.”

Adler will be honored at a reception June 14 at Albany’s Empire State Plaza-Cornerstone. At the event, City & State will release its “Rising Stars” issue, which will include a profile of Adler.

Guests will include members of the New York State Legislature, prominent members of the media, senior partners from New York’s most influential firms and representatives from Fortune 500 companies.