JCC Association of North America is pleased to announce the appointment of Barak Hermann as the organization’s incoming president and CEO. Hermann currently serves as the CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore. Under Hermann’s leadership, JCC Association will continue to support and empower the JCC Movement, the largest platform for Jewish life in the U.S. and Canada, which comprises more than 170 JCCs and Jewish Community Camps.
“I am thrilled to welcome Barak Hermann as JCC Association’s next president and CEO,” said Jennifer Mamlet, the JCC Association acting president and CEO, in a press release. “Having succeeded Barak as executive director of the JCC of Central NJ in 2013, I’ve witnessed his unwavering dedication, strategic vision and strong leadership firsthand. With more than 30 years in our movement, Barak has the perfect combination of experience, expertise and relationships to lead effectively from day one, while positioning JCC Association for continued success. His reputation for building trust and collaboration across our field makes him the ideal person to lead us forward. I am proud to pass the baton of leadership to my colleague and friend.”
Hermann has served as CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore, the oldest JCC in North America, since 2012, following three decades of leadership in the JCC Movement. His previous roles include executive director of the JCC of Central New Jersey, chief operating officer of JCC MetroWest, and program and camp director at the Suffolk Y JCC.
Throughout his career, Hermann has worked with boards and professional teams to develop and implement strategic plans that have led to innovative operating models and successful programs. His leadership has transformed camping, arts and culture, Jewish family engagement, and Jewish teen leadership, among other areas, and his expertise has improved facilities and finances, as well as strengthened communities beyond the Jewish world through cross-sector partnerships. In 2022, he was recognized as one of Maryland’s most inspiring CEOs, and he currently chairs the Owings Mills Corporate Roundtable. He earned a master’s degree from Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, and an associate degree from Johnson & Wales University. He is a Schusterman Fellow and has completed executive non-profit programs through Harvard Business School and Columbia University.
During his tenure with the JCC of Greater Baltimore, Hermann’s visionary leadership guided the $22 million organization through a strategic planning process and into a period of growth. He cultivated key cross-sector partnerships; launched impactful programs such as J Camps, the 4Front Jewish Teen Initiative, and the J Life Family Engagement platform; reimagined the Gordon Center for Performing Arts; and increased the JCC’s visibility and recognition. These efforts resulted in greater funding from both the county and state, cementing his legacy as a thoughtful and effective leader within the Baltimore Jewish community.
“I am both excited and deeply honored to have the opportunity to lead JCC Association of North America,” said Hermann. “I look forward to working in close partnership with the board, the leadership team, my colleagues across the continent, and all our key stakeholders to advance our mission. Together, through innovation and meaningful collaboration, we will seize this moment to amplify the critical role that JCCs play in Jewish life and strengthen our collective impact.”
“Barak is the exemplary leader we need to navigate this exciting moment for the JCC Movement,” said David S. Wax, the board chair of JCC Association. “He is a true product of the JCC Movement, with over 30 years of experience in the JCC world, which is invaluable as JCC Association moves into its next chapter. As we pursue new models of collaboration and sustainable growth, Barak’s leadership will be instrumental in creating continental impact, strengthening our mission, and ensuring the JCC Movement thrives for generations to come.”
JCC Association, in partnership with the JCC Movement, dynamically influences efforts to drive stronger Jewish community, vibrant Jewish life, and intentional and measurable Jewish outcomes in local communities and across the continent. JCCs serve more than 1.5 million people weekly—in person, and online—and drive an economic engine that totals $1.6 billion annually.
Under Hermann’s leadership, JCC Association will continue to strengthen its key programmatic offerings, including the JCC Maccabi Games, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, and JCC Talent initiatives. Together with JCCs and JCC Camps, JCC Association is developing a new partnership model for the movement’s network. As the organization prepares to launch this comprehensive resource platform and affiliation plan, Hermann’s leadership will be pivotal in driving successful outcomes, including strengthening collaboration, enhancing resources, and ensuring long-term sustainability for the entire movement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Barak as our new president and CEO. He not only brings an impressive resume, but a demonstrated commitment to building strong professional teams, with the necessary field experience to strengthen relationships across the JCC field and beyond,” said Gary E. Jacobs, the search committee chair. “With the search now concluded, we extend sincere thanks to Heidrick & Struggles, the firm that has provided excellent support throughout the process. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the search committee, made up of JCC representatives, lay and professional, from across the continent.”
Hermann is slated to begin his tenure at JCC Association at the end of June, and Jennifer Mamlet will remain as acting president and CEO through the transition.
