The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, The J, has taken the first step to find a new leader to replace Jacob Schreiber, who resigned as president and CEO last month. His last day was Jan. 23.
“We are moving with a sense of urgency,” said Mark Bohen, vice chair board leadership. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}“But there’s no reason to make a snap decision. We can be very thoughtful and judicious, mainly because we are confident in our leadership.”
Added Chairman of the Board Ken Sigman, “We think if we’re more deliberate, we’ll find the right candidate.”
During this interim period, The J is being led by CFO Jim Sluyter, who filled in as co-interim director before Schreiber began his tenure in August 2009.
In making this announcement, Bohen said the board’s first task will be to define the kind of leader The J wants and needs. The second step will opening up the search and hiring that leader.
Sigman also pointed out that in addition to having a strong leadership team in place, The J is also in much better financial shape than it was last time a new leader was needed. Sluyter, who has been managing The J’s finances for 15 years, agreed.
“Six to seven years ago, we had huge operational deficits, and we were looking for ways to stabilize our finances without cutting services or programs,” Sluyter said. “Now our operations are balanced, our endowment funds have been replenished, and we have a wonderful annual fundraiser in KC SuperStar that has provided countless funds to help provide financial assistance and program support to departments that have needed it.”
The search for a new executive leader, under the direction of Bohen, will include board members, board officers, staff and various stakeholders in the community.
“We want to have a very transparent process with the community,” Bohen said.
And while the search continues, programs, events and daily life at The J should remain unchanged.
“The staff we currently have working for The J is the most capable, passionate and hard-working group of staff we have had,” said Sluyter. “I am confident the staff will continue to do amazing things in the interim. As we move into our 101st year of existence, our primary objective will be to continue to make every participant’s visit a great, uplifting and rewarding experience.”{/mprestriction}