The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades has made changes within its organization. The Board of Directors and current Chief Executive Officer Avi Lewinson have mutually agreed that he step down as CEO and transition to a consultant role with an emphasis on fundraising. At the same time, the JCC is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Shenker as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 15.
For more than 20 years, Lewinson served as the CEO of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. During this time, he has been instrumental in shaping the organization and spearheading many of the important initiatives that have allowed the JCC to flourish. Throughout his tenure, Lewinson has served as a leader and mentor to his staff and has successfully interfaced with our members and with the Jewish community as a whole. Under his leadership, the JCC has grown substantially both in terms of membership and in the number of programs and events offered..
“While we are disappointed to see Avi move on in his professional career, we are comforted by the fact that the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is moving in the right direction and is well positioned for the future,” says JCC President JoJo Rubach. “We also look forward to our continued relationship with Avi as he continues to serve as a consultant.”
For the better part of the past 25 years, Shenker has been an active member of the Jewish community, taking on increasingly senior positions within the JCC organization throughout the country. Since 2011, Jordan served as Senior Vice President—Community Services for the JCC Association of North America. In this role, he was responsible for the overall management of services provided to JCCs in North America. Specifically, he oversaw JCC CEO/Executive Director development and training as well as provided executive search and placement of CEOs and executive directors for JCCs. Additionally, he has provided primary consultation for 20 of the largest JCCs in North America in the areas of management effectiveness, financial sustainability, user engagement, staff engagement and Jewish impact.
From 2004–2011, Jordan was Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Weinstein Jewish Community Center in Richmond, VA., where in addition to working closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he mentored, motivated and led a team of 15 management staff together with 60 full-time and 300 part-time employees.
The Board of Directors is committed to facilitating a smooth transition of leadership and to working alongside the valued JCC staff to ensure that the JCC continues to provide a satisfying experience to its members.
