In October 2025, Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale, Arizona, welcomed a new leader for the community. Oded Kraus was named the CEO, replacing Jay Jacobs, who led the organization since 2017. As the former executive director of Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Kraus saw the opportunity to move across the country and lead Valley of the Sun JCC as one he couldn’t pass up.
“When I learned about the Valley of the Sun JCC, I felt immediately connected to the mission and the people,” said Kraus. “The warmth, potential and the commitment to serving the community made it feel like the right next chapter. A place where I could help lead, mentor and continue growing alongside a dedicated team.”
In just his first few months in Scottsdale, the feeling is mutual among the staff at Kraus’ new JCC.
“Oded understands the asset of our J is the people: the members and the staff,” said Leah Zigmond, the chief officer of youth and family programs at Valley of the Sun JCC. “He knows he must balance the excitement for new ideas he brings with respect for the ideas that are already here. We have a lot to learn from each other. Jay Jacobs was a beloved leader who truly brought our center to new heights. Oded has the opportunity to continue that path and to keep us moving forward.”
Passing the Torch
Kraus’ journey into community recreation first began in higher education, where he worked in admissions. There, he learned firsthand how meaningful it is to help people find a place where they belong.
Over time, he realized his strongest passion was building communities and teams that support and uplift others, which led him to Katz JCC.
“That’s where I had the privilege of guiding a financial and cultural turnaround in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic through listening, rebuilding trust and supporting every department’s success,” said Kraus. “That experience taught me the value of stability, clear communication, and a shared vision.”
These strengths of Kraus were seen firsthand by Jacobs. The former CEO worked alongside Kraus during a transition period which lasted from October to December 2025 when Jacobs retired.
“Some key traits of Oded’s that should lead to great leadership and keep the JCC moving forward include he’s a very forward thinker,” said Jacobs. “Once he makes a decision, he moves with it. He also has the needed outgoing personality and isn’t afraid of creating change.”
One lesson Kraus brought with him to the JCC and takes with him wherever he goes is a quote from Henry David Thoreau that says, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that’s where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”
For Kraus, he wants the quote to inspire his new team to not be afraid to dream big first, as Jacobs already laid a promising foundation for the organization. While some ideas may not work out, refusing to dream of something more won’t lead to success.
“When I gave my first speech to this team, I shared with them the role of a JCC CEO is very similar to that of a farmer,” said Kraus. “If you’d like to be a successful farmer, you need to plant different crops in different parts of the land in different times of the year. We all know some of those crops are going to be absolutely amazing, and some are going to bust. As long as we learn from the process of failure or of trying something new, then we’re successful.”
Always People First
A standout aspect of Valley of the Sun JCC, in part created by Jacobs, is the organization’s commitment to focusing more on the individual and not the monthly payment.
Kraus said that focus shows in every part of the organization, from the people at the front desk welcoming every member that visits to the early childhood attendees each morning.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Kraus. “Even noticing someone didn’t show up to the JCC for a few days at a time — we’re doing wellness checks on them to make sure they’re okay and doing well. I’m a people person, and we’re in the people business. I think that gives me an opportunity to meet with new personalities and people and establish new connections to really make an impact on the community.”
To accomplish that goal, Kraus said he’s freed up around two to three hours in his schedule daily to get out of the office and meet members and staff in the JCC.
It’s part of a leadership style Kraus breaks down into two essential aspects — showing up and being present.
“Be present in everything that you do,” said Kraus. “From attending meetings with your staff, teachers and members, just make sure you show up. And when you show up, listen to what they have to say. Make sure the impact is there and you’re moving the organization forward every single day.”
As part of that communication with his new staff, Kraus said he tries to lead by listening and helping each person discover and build on their strengths. His leadership is grounded in creating an environment where the team feels safe, supported and inspired to try new things.
He said he’s worked with an executive coach over the past several years, which has shaped his leadership skills more than anything else.
“She helped me understand the profound value of being present not just physically, but emotionally and mentally for my family, team and community,” said Kraus. “That perspective guides me in everything I do.”
Uniting Bridges
In the years following the tragic October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel, Kraus said the JCC has become not only a hub for the Jewish community, but a place that’s open and inclusive for everyone to feel welcome.
It’s a facet of the organization that Zigmond said helps make the center a cultural hallmark of the community.
“We’re a pluralist organization appealing to Jews across the spectrum of affiliation, as well as non-Jews and people of all faiths,” said Zigmond. “Scottsdale is home to many Jewish organizations and several community spaces, but the JCC brings so much opportunity for intentional Jewish communal life together under one roof, which maximizes meaningful connection and personal growth.”
She said to make the JCC’s programs as inclusive as possible, the organization has a robust financial assistance program for members.
It’s just one part of an effort to give back to the community in a multitude of ways. Other strategies include providing scholarships to ensure the J’s services are affordable and offering a strong Parkinson’s program for those facing physical challenges.
“There’s so many unbelievable things that happen here in this organization, but it’s important for me to share that we’re open for everyone,” said Kraus. “I think we’re all going to benefit from that. The greater Phoenix community will benefit from that.”
A New Horizon
With a new leader at the helm for the next generation at Valley of the Sun JCC, Kraus said his organization is looking into exciting possibilities. Those include expanding into another location in the Valley, another early childhood center and maybe another campsite.
“How can we best showcase what the center is all about?” said Kraus. “I think the next few years are going to be the years of creation and really taking that very strong foundation Jay laid down and moving it to the next level.”
As Jacobs looks back at his time leading the JCC, he said he’s proud at how the organization is now synonymous in the area with experience, excellence and fun.
“Ultimately, our product is service,” said Jacobs. “I’ve worked at multiple centers over the course of almost 50 years, and it’s not so much what it means to me, but what it allows us to do — make a difference in someone’s life each and every day.”
For Kraus, that difference is only created through the culture established by the JCC’s board chair, senior leadership team and several long-time staff members: one based on listening, mutual respect and a shared desire to make the JCC stronger for future generations.
“I’m proud we’re a JCC where every member is seen, every child is supported and every staff member is valued,” said Kraus. “And I’m proud of the work we’re doing together to build the future of the Valley of the Sun JCC. Our team is thinking not just about today, but about what this place can be five or ten years from now. We’re dreaming big while staying grounded in kindness, service and connection. We lead with heart, we care deeply for people and we believe in the power of showing up for one another.”
