For anyone who knows me, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I am driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a love for measurable accomplishments. Whether it’s pushing myself in a DEKA competition, working with our team to achieve new membership milestones at the JCC, or improving our overall score on the Leading Edge Employee Experience Survey, I’ve always aimed high.

Four months ago, at the JCC’s Annual Meeting, I shared my vision for the agency and introduced a set of core commitments, which included providing our customers with a world-class experience. As I said then, “Every interaction, no matter how small, is an opportunity to create a moment that is both memorable and meaningful.”

That commitment was recently affirmed when we received the honor of being named #1 in Customer Satisfaction among community centers in Pittsburgh by BusinessRate. Their criteria were simple but powerful: recognition based on outstanding customer reviews. As our Marketing team verified, we currently hold the highest average rating on Google reviews in our category, a direct reflection of the experiences we strive to provide each and every day.

This recognition didn’t happen by accident. As I’ve shared before, “Our community is our compass, and our success is measured by the lives we touch and the relationships we build.” This guides our work every day, from enhancing our website to make information more accessible to increasing utilization of the JCCPGH App for seamless class sign-ups and timely notifications. These efforts are designed to create an inclusive and responsive experience for everyone who walks through our doors – or interacts with us online.

The journey doesn’t end there. Through three rounds of Fireside Chats with our staff, I’ve had the privilege of hearing firsthand how we can continue improving both the customer and staff experience. These conversations have made it clear that this is a collaborative effort, driven by the voices of our team and community members alike.

As I said at our last Annual Meeting, “Our vision is not static; it’s dynamic, evolving with every idea, every challenge, and every triumph. It’s a vision that includes you—our community—working together to redefine what is possible.”

This recognition is not just an achievement but a challenge to keep striving. Soon, you’ll see our #1 ranking proudly displayed in our communications and promotional materials. Each time I see it, I’ll feel immense pride – not just in what we’ve achieved, but in what we’re building together: a JCC that reflects the best of our shared values and aspirations.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Please continue to share your voice with me. Together, we are redefining what is possible.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,

Jason