After nearly three decades of service, Orly Lewis, the former CEO of the Weinstein JCC, has announced her retirement. Her departure marks the culmination of a 27-year tenure defined by transformational growth, institutional resilience and deep connection to community.
The Board of Directors announced Brad Finkel, a veteran Jewish communal leader from Chicago, will become the next CEO, officially stepping into the role on August 4.
Honoring a Legacy
Lewis’s relationship with the Weinstein JCC spans more than four decades — from her early days playing Sunday morning volleyball on the center’s courts to serving as its chief executive during some of its most pivotal moments.
“As I prepare to retire, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey I’ve shared with the Weinstein JCC community,” said Lewis in a press release. “From joining Sunday morning volleyball games over 40 years ago to leading major milestones like our $11.7 million Capital Campaign and the recent facility renovation, it has been a privilege to serve this vibrant community. I’m confident the JCC is well-positioned for a bright future.”
A Thoughtful Search
The process of identifying Lewis’s successor was comprehensive and community-focused.
“His selection was the result of a long and thoughtful search involving both self-examination and forward thinking,” said Stuart Simon, the president of the JCC Board of Directors. “This has been a long, painstaking process. The Search Committee took its charge very seriously, asked thorough and thoughtful questions of our candidate and the search firm, and recognized that this process differed from how we’ve hired in the past. We tried very hard to give every voice an ear while still working within our time constraints.”
The search was led by board members Shana Passman and Charley Scher, who chaired the Search Committee. With support from the broader board and community, the committee spent months analyzing institutional needs, engaging stakeholders through surveys and reviewing potential candidates.
To assist in the process, the JCC partnered with Heidrick & Struggles, a premier global executive search firm known for its work with over 70% of Fortune 1000 companies. The firm brought both expertise and rigor to the search, ultimately leading to the selection of Finkel.
Welcoming Finkel
Finkel brings over 25 years of experience in the JCC Chicago system. His leadership journey included roles as COO, Regional Vice President and Camp Director at Camp Chi — one of the most respected Jewish overnight camps in the country. His connection to Jewish communal life, however, began long before his professional career.
A lifelong “JCC kid,” Finkel first attended Camp Chi as a seventh grader and never looked back. He met his wife, Rachael, during their freshman year at Indiana University, bonding over their shared Jewish backgrounds and connection to JCC Chicago. Together, they began working at Camp Chi in 1995 and have been part of the camp’s extended family ever since—raising their children, Blake and Shayna, with Camp Chi’s values of Kavod (Respect), Chesed (Kindness), and Kehilla (Community) at the center of their lives.
“Brad comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for Jewish life and leadership,” Simon added. “Many of you have already met him. For those who didn’t have the opportunity during his most recent visit to Richmond in June, know that we’ve been intentional about creating opportunities for him to connect with staff, donors, and our community partners.”
Finkel holds a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Jewish Studies from Indiana University and a master’s in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute.
“I’m honored to join the Weinstein JCC and excited to get to know the staff, members, and broader community,” said Finkel. “I look forward to building on the remarkable foundation Orly has laid and helping the JCC thrive for generations to come.”
Finkel’s transition visit, which took place from June 22–24, was coordinated by board member Chris Greenberg, who is chairing the Transition Committee.
A New Chapter
“We thank Orly for her decades of dedicated service, and we’re excited to welcome Brad as he steps into this role,” said Simon. “This is an important moment for our community—and one we approach with gratitude, optimism, and unity.”
The Weinstein JCC continues to be a dynamic hub of Jewish life, learning, and culture in Central Virginia. With this new chapter of leadership, the center stands poised to grow, innovate, and thrive in the years ahead.
