Kehilath Israel Synagogue has announced that Shelley Palmarine will join as the synagogue’s new executive director.
“We will welcome her as our new team member on Sept. 3,” K.I. President Joseph Adamous said. “I am looking forward to working with her in every segment of our synagogue’s daily operations.”
Palmarine, who succeeds Elizabeth Peden in the executive director position, felt welcomed starting with the interview.
“People were all very welcoming,” Palmarine said. “I did not feel uncomfortable. I could be myself during the interviews… Being yourself is the best way to live. I believe I could do that at K.I.”
Palmarine has spent the last 19 years as the operations director for St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and School in Gladstone, Missouri, where she managed the financial reporting, facilities, communications and personnel. She has a B.A. in human resources from the University of Kansas.
She comes to K.I. because she is ready to start a new chapter in her life. She recently downsized and moved to the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.
“When I saw the job advertisement, I thought, ‘I could do that,’” she said. “I have done a lot of self-introspection. I wanted to do something I would enjoy doing. I love what I do, but I needed it to be less stressful. With this job, I am moving from a large environment to a smaller one doing similar work. But at the same time, it is very interesting and completely different to work in a Jewish house of worship. My curiosity is piqued to see both the similarities and the differences.
“I was excited as I drove to the interview. I thought about how much I have to offer,” she continued. “It was like I was coming home. I grew up at 101st and Antioch [in Overland Park, Kansas]. I went to school at Shawnee Mission South. I had a full-circle moment when I saw how close the synagogue was to where I grew up.”
Palmarine looks forward to sharing her leadership qualities.
“I believe that ‘Clear is Kind,’” she said. “I believe that in dealing with employees, the ability to understand, be clear, be empathic, to listen, respond and be firm are all important.”
She stressed that she thinks it is important to make sure people understand what is expected and then to follow through on these matters.
“I have a big heart,” she added. “When I see a problem, I want to fix it. But I also believe in helping people see an issue from both sides, so that everyone is comfortable and feels that they have been seen and heard.”
Everyone working together is important to making the place work, and all are valued equally, in her opinion.
“I am happy to be working at K.I., excited to work with the team,” Palmarine said. “I want to understand their vision. See where they want to go. I am thrilled they have given me this opportunity.”
Adamous and the search committee are enthusiastic about Palmarine beginning her job at K.I.
“I see a bright future for K.I. on the horizon,” he said.
