Ram A. Cnaan

Dr. Ram A. Cnaan is a Professor and Director of the Program for Religion and Social Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice. He also serves as a Global Eminent Scholar at Kyung Hee University’s Graduate Institute of Peace in South Korea. His academic roles include past president of ARNOVA and founder of the Goldring Reentry Initiative, addressing prisoner reintegration. Educated at the Hebrew University (BSW, MSW, cum laude) and the University of Pittsburgh (PhD), Cnaan specializes in faith-based social care, volunteering, criminal justice, and social policy.

His research spans congregational social services, nonprofit management, and the intersection of religion and societal issues. He has authored/co-authored eight books, including The Other Philadelphia Story, and contributes to 11 journal editorial boards. Current projects include books on religious organizations, community organizations, and family history. Awards include Fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and the Best Reviewer distinction from the Journal of Social Work.

Professionally, he advises on social entrepreneurship, teaches in four countries, and lectures internationally. Beyond academia, his interests include collecting antique tools and Inuit prints.