Last Thursday night, more than 200 community members came together at Owings Mills’ Gordon Center for Performing Arts to celebrate the accomplishments of Barak Hermann during his more than 12 years as CEO of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore.
(Provided photo)
A Long Island nativre who lives in Owings Mills, Hermann, 54, will become CEO and president of the JCC Association of North America in late June. The New York-based JCC Association supports the JCC movement across the United States and Canada, comprising more than 170 community centers and Jewish camps.
Before coming to Baltimore, Herman served for three decades in the JCC field. His previous positions included serving as executive director of the JCC of Central New Jersey, chief operating officer of JCC MetroWest in New Jersey, and program and camp director at the Suffolk Y JCC in Long Island.
The JCC of Greater Baltimore is currently conducting a national search for his successor.
Since coming to the JCC in November of 2012, Hermann helped reimagine programming, enhanced the facilities at the Owings Mills and Park Heights centers, and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation.
During his tenure with the JCC of Greater Baltimore — the oldest in the nation — Hermann guided the $22 million organization through a strategic planning process and a period of growth. He cultivated key cross-sector partnerships; launched such programs as J Camps, the 4Front Jewish Teen Initiative, and the J Life Family Engagement platform; and increased the JCC’s visibility and recognition.
At the May 29 celebration, elected officials, community members, JCC staff and lay leadership, and others offered remarks about Hermann’s legacy in Baltimore.
Among the attendees were former Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, Marc B. Terrill, former president and CEO of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, Sen. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-11th), Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka (D-2nd), Baltimore City Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. (D-4th) and JCC board chair Larry Plant.
“Barak has been a tremendous asset to the region, building meaningful relationships with folks from all backgrounds, and I wish him well in his new role,” Patoka posted on social media.
Schools in Montgomery County have recently experienced a wave of antisemitic incidents.
CCBC Honors scholars are discovering a level of academic rigor and opportunity typically associated with elite four-year institutions.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.
This year’s Community Block Party at the JCC of Greater Baltimore will feature classic cars, giant inflatables, games, a rock-climbing wall and roller skating rink, and strolling entertainers.