Ruth Shoham

CEO

Ruth Shoham brings a wealth of experience in education and technology to the role of CEO of the Davidson Institute of Science Education. With the rank of colonel (res.), she has served in key positions in the IDF, notably in the Military Intelligence’s elite Unit 8200. In her final military position, she spearheaded the strategic initiative to relocate intelligence units to southern Israel.

Following her military career, Ruth held several senior roles in the private sector, including as a member of the Strategic Forum of IBM Israel, where she was instrumental in shaping the company’s cyber defense strategy and headed the establishment of the company’s global excellence center in Beersheba.

Her expertise extended to her positions as Executive Director for Strategy and Partnerships at Israel’s National Cyber Directorate and as a senior advisor to Startup Nation Central, which fosters innovation in Israel’s high-tech landscape.

Before assuming the role of CEO of the Davidson Institute in September 2024, Ruth served as CEO of the Open University of Israel, leading the school’s comprehensive strategic overhaul following the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ruth holds a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in Operational Research, both from the Faculty of Exact Sciences at Tel Aviv University. She is the former chair of the National Security Council's Gender Issues in Emergencies Committee. Currently, she serves on the Executive Board of the 8200 Alumni Association and mentors women navigating pivotal moments in their careers.