The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is a nonprofit lobbying organization based in Washington, D.C., United States. It is one of the most influential advocacy groups in American politics, focused on strengthening the U.S.–Israel relationship through lobbying and policy engagement.
AIPAC was founded in 1951 by Isaiah L. Kenen as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, which later evolved into AIPAC. It operates as a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization, allowing it to engage in political advocacy. The organization also runs the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), a 501(c)(3) affiliate focused on educational work.
As of 2025, Betsy Berns Korn serves as the President of AIPAC’s Board, and Elliot Brandt is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding long-time CEO Howard Kohr.
Ownership Status of AIPAC
AIPAC has no single owner, as it is a nonprofit organization rather than a private or publicly traded company. It is governed by a Board of Directors and operated by an executive leadership team, supported by donations and membership contributions from across the United States.
Major Leadership and Control
| Position | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Board President | Betsy Berns Korn | Oversees board and policy direction. |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Elliot Brandt | Took over in late 2024 after Howard Kohr’s retirement. |
| Founder | Isaiah L. Kenen | Established AIPAC’s predecessor organization in 1951. |
Note: AIPAC has no shareholders; financial support comes from private donations and membership fees.
Key Governance and Structure
AIPAC operates through a structured governance system:
- The Board of Directors sets overall policy and supervises strategic direction.
- The CEO and senior executives manage daily operations and advocacy work.
- AIPAC’s funding comes from supporters across the U.S., not from any government or foreign entity.
Its leadership and members drive its political influence, advocating bipartisan support for Israel within U.S. Congress and government agencies.
Recent Developments in Leadership
In 2024, AIPAC announced a key leadership transition as Elliot Brandt was appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Howard Kohr, who had served for over three decades. Brandt, a long-time senior AIPAC official, now oversees the organization’s lobbying, political, and educational operations.
This leadership change marks a generational shift within AIPAC but does not alter its nonprofit ownership structure.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of AIPAC?
AIPAC has no owner. It is a nonprofit advocacy organization governed by a board and executive team.
2. Is AIPAC publicly traded or privately owned?
Neither. It is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, meaning it has no shares or equity ownership.
3. Who founded AIPAC?
AIPAC was founded by Isaiah L. Kenen in 1951 as a pro-Israel public affairs group.
4. Who currently leads AIPAC?
As of 2025, Betsy Berns Korn is the Board President, and Elliot Brandt serves as CEO.
5. Has the ownership or control changed recently?
While leadership has changed with Brandt’s appointment, AIPAC’s governance structure remains the same.
AIPAC is not owned by any person or corporation. It is a powerful Washington-based nonprofit lobbying group, guided by its board and executives. Its influence comes from its members, donors, and bipartisan advocacy — not ownership or financial control.
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