The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore announced Thursday, Aug. 14, the appointment of Paul Lurie as the organization’s incoming chief executive officer.
A Reisterstown native and Pikesville resident, Lurie, 44, assumes the role on Sept. 1. He succeeds Barak Hermann, the Baltimore JCC’s CEO since 2012, who announced his departure from the center in January to become president and CEO of the JCC Association of North America.
For the past 22 years, Lurie has worked in a number of capacities for the Baltimore JCC. Since 2016, he has served a chief operating officer, overseeing building operations, membership, security, facilities, fitness, aquatics and technology at the Owings Mills and Park Heights campuses.
He has also worked closely with the JCC’s executive team on strategic planning, visioning, analysis and fiscal management, and managed multiple renovation and construction projects, including the 2023 renovation of the Gordon Center’s lobby.
In addition, Lurie serves as the JCC’s liaison to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore on the major redevelopment of the Goldsmith Campus in Park Heights.
“I am pleased to announce Paul Lurie as our next CEO,” said JCC board chair Keith Shapiro. “Over the past several months, we have engaged in a rigorous national search process that considered candidates from across the country. Paul proved to be the ideal choice, providing both the continuity and innovative leadership we need to begin our next chapter.
“Paul dedicated his entire career to serving the JCC’s mission and vision and has established himself as a confident and respected leader in the local Jewish community and among JCCs across the country,” Shapiro said. “Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in our organization’s growth and success, consistently demonstrating his steadfast commitment to promoting and strengthening Jewish life and values. We know the entire JCC community, including our staff, supporters, partners and members, will be thrilled to welcome and congratulate Paul as our new lead executive.”
Lurie came to the center in 2003 as JCC Maccabi experience director. He became senior program director in 2013, then vice president of fitness, recreation and aquatics in 2014, before becoming COO.
He currently serves as national co-chair of the JCC Maccabi Games.
Lurie is a graduate of the Mandel Foundation’s Executive Leadership Program’s inaugural class of 2018 and Leadership Baltimore County’s class of 2024.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in both economics and mathematics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a master of business administration degree from the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business.
“I am honored beyond measure to have this opportunity to serve as the next CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore,” said Lurie. “In every role I have held over the past 20+ years, I have sought to optimize the JCC’s operations, foster a positive organizational culture, and drive impactful initiatives that embody our core Jewish values. I am proud of the progress we’ve made in ensuring the JCC is a gathering place that welcomes all, strengthens Jewish identity, and builds bridges with the broader community. Together, we will continue to enrich, connect, and celebrate our vibrant Jewish community, and I am excited to lead us into the future.”
For Beth Tfiloh senior Ada Key, earning the Eagle Scout rank is about giving back and paving the way for girls in scouting.
At Knit & Nosh, one of several VolunTeams run by the Macks Jewish Connection Network, young adults get together to knit scarves and hats for neighbors experiencing housing insecurity.
With his new book "The AfterWork," Akchin explores finding fulfilment and meaning after concluding one's professional career.
At the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), a growing number of students are discovering that higher education can be far more affordable than they imagined -- and in some cases, completely tuition-free.