Marcus JCC of Atlanta Installs New Leadership and Recognizes Staff and Lay Leader Achievements at its 73rd Annual Meeting
The community recently gathered at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s (MJCCA) 73rd Annual Meeting chaired by Margo Marks, to install its new leadership and recognize staff achievements.
At the Annual Meeting, Ken Winkler, Chair, Board of Directors introduced the 2019 – 2020 Officers of the MJCCA: Sammy Grant, Vice Chair and Treasurer; Amy Rubin, Secretary; and Howard Hyman, Officer at Large and installed all new board members. The 2019 – 2020 Board of Directors slate included: Lillie Axelrod, Ron Brill, Steven Cadranel, Lee N. Katz, Michael Kay, Douglas Kuniansky, Margo Marks, Josh Rosenberg, Brian Seitz, Michelle Simon, Rick Slagle, Todd Starr, Evan Toporek, Garrett Van de Grift, and Joel Arogeti, ex officio.
Amy Rubin presented the Harvey Rubin Scholarship Award to Jared Rakusin. Founded in 2002 by Amy and Philip Rubin, this merit-based scholarship award recognizes the outstanding leadership of a high school senior in the Atlanta Jewish community.
The MJCCA Lay Leadership and Staff Awards were presented by MJCCA CEO Jared Powers, including:
MJCCA Volunteer of the Year Awards: Nora Floersheim, Glenn Frank, and Ari Weitz.
This is an award that is presented to leaders who support the mission of the MJCCA by donating their time and making an impact through program participation.
Phillip Bush Awards for Leadership: Michele Chambers and Zak Elfenbein
This is an award for MJCCA staff members who aspire to lead and influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the agency.
Team Player Awards: Michael Drucker and Courtney McCormick
This is an award for MJCCA staff members who boost employee morale, align goals, streamline processes and procedures, promote interdepartmental cooperation, and are effective communicators.
Customer Service Award: Jeffrey Jenkins
This is an award for an MJCCA staff member who works expertly with both internal staff and members, and approaches work with a positive attitude, even under adverse situations.
Raye Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year Award (The Weinstein School, MJCCA’s Dunwoody preschool).
Michelle Merrick-Davis, preschool teacher at The Weinstein School, received this award.
Raye Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year Award (The Sunshine School, MJCCA’s East Cobb preschool).
Beverley Wasilewsky, a preschool teacher at The Sunshine School, received this award.
Raye Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year Award (The Schiff School, MJCCA’s Sandy Springs preschool).
Joy Rosa, a preschool teacher at The Schiff School, received this award.
Best New Program Award: Led by Director of Athletics Zak Elfenbein, Sinai Sports with the MJCCA received the Best New Program Award. This award is for a new MJCCA program that demonstrates creativity and innovation in the dimension of service to the community and advances the agency’s mission.
This fall, the MJCCA partnered with Temple Sinai to offer a unique program within their revamped Sunday School. The MJCCA athletics staff offered Sinai Sports with the MJCCA during the Sunday School program with the assistance of Temple Sinai’s teachers, focusing on instilling Jewish values through sports. The feedback received from kids, Temple Sinai staff, and parents was fantastic. The success of this program led to The Temple (intown) requesting the same type of program partnership for their Sunday School. In the fall of 2019 the MJCCA is excited to announce Sunday Sports with The Temple.
Erwin Zaban Leadership Development Program (EZLDP) – An 8-month program designed to recruit, train, develop, and engage the MJCCA’S future leaders, the EZLDP was conceived by MJCCA Past President Erwin Zaban and launched in 1987. Leaders who want to make a difference and who will have a great impact on the MJCCA can participate in this program, helping to secure the continued success of the agency. All graduates are given the opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity.
- EZLDP 2019 Graduates: Amy Ackerman, Julie Altmann, Jeff Edelman, Alison Greenberg, Jodi Halpert, Bari Holmes, Andrea Levy, Keith Peck, Josh Perlstein, Heather Rifkin, Stuart Shapiro, Todd Starr, and Bill Steuer.
- EZLDP Co-Chairs: Brian Mand and Alex Rogow
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)
Impacting more than 60,000 people annually, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is welcoming to people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds. The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. Our NAEYC-accredited preschools, award-winning camps, outstanding cultural events, and invigorating sports and fitness programs engage and connect the community.
Contact Information
- For more information, visit atlantajcc.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Media inquiries: Lora Sommer, MJCCA’s PR Manager at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.
###