A Legacy of Leadership
When Lisa and Ron Brill moved to Atlanta in the early 1980s for Ron’s new career at a start-up called The Home Depot, they were focused on building their future—both for their growing family and within their new community. What they didn’t realize was that a simple decision—choosing a preschool—would spark a life-changing connection to the Marcus JCC of Atlanta, shaping their lives for decades to come.
Ron was given an important task before the move: find the best preschool for their son, Jonathan. “I spoke to a few people, got recommendations, and signed him up at the JCC,” he recalled. For the Brill family, the Marcus JCC quickly became the center of their community. With two young children, their lives revolved around the Marcus JCC’s sports leagues, activities, and programs.
Lisa’s involvement grew, beginning as a room mom and evolving into a community leader, overseeing large events and producing an annual gala. Lisa’s deep connection with the Marcus JCC’s leadership eventually led her to serve as president from 1995 to 1997, during a time of major transformation.
One of the biggest challenges she faced was navigating the relocation of the JCC from Peachtree Street in Midtown to Dunwoody. “To this day, some people still call me ‘the lady who moved the center.’ But it was the right decision for the future of the Marcus JCC,” Lisa explains.
While Lisa was focused on strategic growth, Ron stepped into leadership during another critical moment—the 2008 financial crisis. “The MJCCA had financial problems, and Bernie Marcus said to me, ‘If I’m going to do this, I want you on the board,’” Ron said. Alongside a team of leaders, Ron helped eliminate a multimillion-dollar debt, ensuring the Marcus JCC remained strong for generations to come.
One of the Brills’ proudest moments was leading the 2001 JCC Maccabi Games®, one of the largest and most successful in the organization’s history. “It was a huge, huge effort,” Ron said. “We had 10,000 people at opening ceremonies. It was an incredible experience for both our local community and the thousands of visitors who came to Atlanta.” They continued their commitment to bringing Jewish teens together through sports, culture, and community by serving as honorary chairs of the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games.
For Lisa and Ron, the Marcus JCC instilled values that have shaped their family and community involvement. “The Marcus JCC taught us the importance of tzedakah—giving to those in need,” Lisa said. “We learned why to give, not just that we should give. We saw firsthand how much our community needs and how we can make an impact.”
Ron echoed that sentiment. “What makes me proud is when I go to the Marcus JCC and see hundreds of people engaged—at the Book Festival, the new outdoor pool, the pickleball courts. That’s when I know the MJCCA is touching lives every day.”
For Lisa and Ron, this place remains at the heart of their lives. “We can’t imagine life without the Marcus JCC,” Lisa said. “It has given us a home, a purpose, and a place to make a difference.”