JFGH Launches Nationwide Search for Next President/CEO

Originally published on 5/20/22

The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg has formed a committee to begin a national search for our next President and CEO.

The search committee is comprised of leaders representing a cross-section of our multi-faceted community. They’ll be working with Carin Maher of Sageview Consulting, who has supported Jewish Federations across the continent in identifying and selecting successful leadership for their communities. The search comes at an exciting time as the new President and CEO will be instrumental in our future plans for the Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life. 

As members know, our diverse community’s needs require a uniquely-skilled leader. Our next President and CEO must be someone who can represent our Federation and JCC as a voice of the present and visionary for our future and build relationships throughout the Jewish and general community. Carin will hold six focus groups, asking synagogue leaders, Jewish agency leaders, ‘next-gen’ leaders, board members, donors, and senior staff to better understand the Harrisburg community, our needs, and the skills and personality traits our next President and CEO should possess to take our community forward.

During her almost six years of service, Jenn Ross has been a committed, passionate, and dedicated President and CEO. She helped our community quickly pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthened our security initiatives, and advanced our interfaith and community outreach. We are grateful for all her hard work, and we appreciate her commitment to the continued success of the Federation and facilitating a smooth transition. We wish her well as she moves on to a new position where we know she will continue to make a difference. 

We are now considering interim President and CEO candidates to take over following Jenn’s departure on May 27 and will update the community on developments in our search. In the meantime, senior staff are working with the Federation’s Executive Committee to continue bringing you the high-quality programming and services you know and love.

We expect to post the President and CEO position in the coming weeks and encourage you to share it with your networks and contacts. We look forward to engaging our community as we meet this opportunity to impact the future of Jewish Harrisburg together.

The Federation Executive Search Committee includes leaders committed to advancing the Federation and JCC: Chris Baldrige, Harvey Freedenberg, Rob & Jami Friedman, Judith Hodara, Marty Rogoff, and Abby Smith.