Header

Who We Are

CEO, Rabbi Joanna Samuels

Our Leadership & Team: Building Community Together

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is supported by a dedicated leadership team and staff committed to its mission. The Board of Directors provides strategic guidance, ensuring the organization remains strong and aligned with its values. The executive team oversees daily operations, focusing on community engagement, wellness, education, and cultural programs. The broader staff includes professionals across various departments, working to create meaningful experiences for members and the community. Together, they foster an inclusive and dynamic environment that supports learning, growth, and connection.

Staff

Executive Staff

Melissa Donovan, Chief Operating Officer, Health + Wellness
Todd Elkins, Chief Health and Wellness Officer
Liz Freirich, Chief Development Officer
Deborah Kadetsky, Chief Engagement Officer
Courteney Kovacs, Vice President of Human Resources
Jacqueline Marks, Chief Children and Families Officer
Julia Nelson, Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer
Rabbi Joanna Samuels, Chief Executive Officer
Elyssa Tannenbaum, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison

The Gottesman Center For Jewish Living

Rabbi Yael Rapport, Director

The David H. Sonabend Center For Israel

Udi Urman, Director

Development

Alicia Gordon, Deputy Chief Development Officer

Finance

Anna Zennakis, Senior Financial Controller

Human Resources

Courteney Kovacs, Vice President of Human Resources

JCC Harlem

Naomi Sage, Executive Director
Rabbi Mira Rivera, Rabbi-in-Residence

The Lambert Center For Arts + Ideas

Udi Urman, Director

The Carole Zabar Center for Film

Isaac Zablocki, Senior Director, Film Programs and Israel Film Center

The Davidson Fishberg Center For Health + Wellness

Amy Blumenthal, Director of Personal Services
Caitlin Boker, Director, Children’s Aquatics Programs (Infants + Young Children, Adaptive)
Jessica Gumora, Group Exercise + Fitness Desk Director
Caroline Kohles, Senior Program Director, Health + Wellness
Elana Pici, Director, Children’s Aquatics Programs (School Age, Adaptive, Private Swim)
Carolina Stapleton, Senior Director, Aquatics

The Joseph Stern Center For Social Responsibility

Sheryl Parker, Director

Membership

Alex Clavijo, Membership Director
Zuri Robert, Assistant Director, Membership

The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Diverse Abilities

Caitlin McInerney, Director

The Bert and Sandra Wasserman Center for Family Life

Rachel Alter, Director of School Age Programs
Alyssa Blackman, JCC Day Camp + Athletics Director
Yael Kahn Pinto, Director
Naomi Skop Richter, Senior Director, Teen + Young Adult Mental Health Initiative
Jessica Spiegel, Director, Camp Settoga
Shereef Taylor, Director of Youth Coaching

The Wechsler Center for Modern Aging

Rabbi Brian Fink, Director of Engage@Wechsler
Susan Lechter, Director

The Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School

Shari Pick Taishoff, Director, Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School
Erica Held, Director of Admissions, Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School
Alex Reynolds, Associate Director
Adam Metzger, Pedagogista

Board of Directors

Scott Romanoff, Chair
Lisa Messinger, Vice Chair
Sara Wechter, Vice Chair
Seth Berkowitz, Treasurer
Marina Lewin, Secretary
Jeff Feig, Chair Emeritus

Amy Abrams Lisa Kiell
Andy Appelbaum Shelly Kivell
Tracey Appelbaum Sheila Lambert
Andy Arno Samantha Levine
Marni Aronson Anita Liss
Kim Bendheim Violet Livshiz
Shana Block Marti Meyerson
Steve Cohen Stan Parker
Jennifer Deppe-Parker Jane Pollock
Nicole Drapkin Dmitri Potishko
Eileen Epstein Heidi Rieger
Gary Gelman Irv Rosenthal
Katja Goldman Ilana Ruskay-Kidd
Meredith Grossman Susanna Schankler
Josh Haber Shirley Silver
Claudia Hammerman Kim Spodek
Harold Handler Lilian Stern
Kirk Iwanowski Craig Waldman
Talia Kaden Yaron Werber

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

It's an easy way to get the latest news and updates on programs, events, and community opportunities at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.

Stay connected and be the first to know about exciting opportunities in Arts + Film, Jewish Life, Fitness + Wellness, and more—tailored to your interests and delivered straight to your inbox!

Email sign up