The JCC of Greater Baltimore has announced the appointment of Paul Lurie as the organization’s incoming CEO. Lurie, who officially assumes the role of CEO on September 1, succeeds Barak Hermann, who announced his departure from the JCC in January to become the president and CEO of the JCC Association of North America.
In Lurie, the JCC gains a locally grown leader who has faithfully served the organization and the Jewish community in various roles for more than 22 years. Having held the title of COO since 2016, Lurie currently oversees building operations, membership, security, facilities, fitness, aquatics and technology at both JCC campuses in Owings Mills and Park Heights. He has worked closely with the JCC’s executive team on all strategic planning, visioning, analysis, and fiscal management for the organization, and managed multiple renovation and construction projects — including the 2023 renovation of the Gordon Center lobby. Lurie is also serving as the JCC liaison to The Associated on the major redevelopment of the Goldsmith Campus in Park Heights, which is currently in its third phase.
“On behalf of the JCC of Greater Baltimore Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce Paul Lurie as our next CEO,” said Keith Shapiro, JCC Board chair, in a press release. “Over the past several months, we’ve engaged in a rigorous national search process that considered candidates from across the country. Paul proved to be the ideal choice, providing both the continuity and innovative leadership we need to begin our next chapter. Paul dedicated his entire career to serving the JCC’s mission and vision and has established himself as a confident and respected leader in the local Jewish community and among JCCs across the country. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in our organization’s growth and success, consistently demonstrating his steadfast commitment to promoting and strengthening Jewish life and values. We know the entire JCC community, including our staff, supporters, partners and members, will be thrilled to welcome and congratulate Paul as our new lead executive.”
Lurie joined the JCC in 2003 as JCC Maccabi experience director and ascended to senior program director in 2013, then vice president of fitness, recreation and aquatics in 2014 before becoming COO. He currently serves as the national co-chair of the JCC Maccabi Games, which convene more than 3,000 Jewish teen athletes each summer for a week of individual and team athletic competition and Jewish engagement. He is a graduate of the Mandel Foundation’s Executive Leadership Program’s inaugural class of 2018 and Leadership Baltimore County’s class of 2024. Also, Lurie holds bachelor’s degrees in both economics and mathematics from UMBC and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore.
“I’m honored beyond measure to have this opportunity to serve as the next CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore,” said Lurie. “In every role I have held over the past 20-plus years, I’ve sought to optimize the JCC’s operations, foster a positive organizational culture, and drive impactful initiatives that embody our core Jewish values. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in ensuring the JCC is a gathering place that welcomes all, strengthens Jewish identity and builds bridges with the broader community. Together, we’ll continue to enrich, connect and celebrate our vibrant Jewish community. I’m excited to lead us into the future.”
