Rhoda Smolow has been elected the next national president of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

The new president, the organization’s 27th in its 107 years, will lead over 300,000 members, associates and supporters through the beginning of Hadassah’s second century as the world’s largest women’s Zionist organization, according to Hadassah officials.

The official election on July 16 came at the organization’s national convention at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, where nearly 1,000 participants convened for four days of meetings and networking.

Smolow, who is from Nassau County in New York and has been involved with Hadassah for 39 years and most recently served as the group’s national secretary, will oversee Hadassah’s continued efforts and initiatives in support for Israel, public advocacy on women’s health, leadership training for women, and will champion the groundbreaking, life-saving medical research and treatment at its two Jerusalem-based hospitals.

Outgoing National President Ellen Hershkin, whose term ends December 31, 2019, has led the organization since 2016, maintaining the agreement between the government of Israel, Hadassah Medical Organization and her organization, and advocating on key issues of national importance.

“Rhoda Smolow exemplifies the ideal of selfless service to Hadassah,” Hershkin said.