I often say that the professional leadership team at our JCC is among the very best from more than 170 JCCs across North America. The passion, creativity and commitment to community our leadership team brings to work every day helps propel the agency to new heights, ensuring that the JCC remains relevant and responsive to emerging needs. They bring insight and expertise that guide everything from program development to long-term planning and they lay the foundation for excellence in all that we do. Their ability to build partnerships and mobilize resources helps amplify the JCC’s reach and impact, and they view their work through the lenses of inquiry, responsibility, belonging, gratitude and dignity.

Understanding and appreciating how essential our leadership team is in driving the JCC’s ability to fulfill our mission of nurturing people and connecting community, I wanted to pass along a message I shared with our staff earlier this week about having filled a new role on this already talented team of professionals.

JCC Family: 

I am excited to share that after a rigorous three-month search, we have selected Rachael Speck to fill the critical role of Chief Program & Innovation Officer. This position has been vacant since my transition to CEO, and it was important to me to have some time and perspective under my belt before crafting the job description and launching the search. The posting attracted 75 applicants from both near and far, and the process involved multiple rounds of interviews, lunchtime conversations, presentations and site visits and took into account the feedback from key volunteer and professional stakeholders. 

Throughout her tenure at the JCC, Rachael has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity and dedication to our mission and community. Her vision and passion for fostering innovation and program excellence have prepared her to not only achieve the specific requirements of the position but to help lead the JCC into the future in a thoughtful and intentional manner. With 15 years serving the Jewish community, Rachael was awarded the 2022 Ira and Nanette Gordon Professional Achievement Award as she was recognized for fostering a system of services which enhances the quality of life for all members of our community. Beyond the hard skills that Rachael brings to the table, I am confident that her self-awareness and openness to feedback will undoubtedly serve her and her closest colleagues well. The sky is the limit for what the JCC can accomplish with Rachael in this role, and I could not be prouder to further support an organizational culture that fosters a pipeline of strong internal talent and ongoing professional development.  

I look forward to partnering with Rachael and the rest of our Leadership Team as we remain focused on driving impact and meaning, ensuring the necessary evolution and long-term success of the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh. Please join me in congratulating Rachael on this significant accomplishment and thank you all in advance for your continued support in helping the JCC redefine what’s possible.  

Here’s to building a winning team poised to activate community to build a stronger and more inclusive future!

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,

Jason