More than 60 households and members of the New Orleans JCC community gathered virtually on Wednesday, January 27, for the 2021 Annual Meeting. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year, honor standout leaders for their service, and outline the priorities for the months ahead.
Incoming Board Executive Vice President Jonathan Friedman opened the meeting, followed by an invocation presented by Rabbi Katie Bauman of Touro Synagogue. A video was shown, giving participants a look back at 2020. The presentation demonstrated the impact of the JCC’s commitment to community, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic
Ex-Officio Peter Sperling thanked parting board members for their six years of dedicated service to the New Orleans JCC Board of Directors. Parting members include Cathy Bart, Nathan Kanter, Andy Katz, Judith Kiefer, and Jason White.
New board members are Laura Fuhrman, Alan Posner, Jacquelyn Stern, and Renee Zack. Renominated for a second term include Sara Kottle, Emily Kupperman, Joshua Lichtman, Benjamin Lowenburg, and Clifford Mintz. Elected officers include Aimee Bain (President), Jonathan Friedman (Executive Vice President), Rebecca Friedman (Vice President), Scott Barron (Treasurer), Debbie Schlackman (Secretary), and Lee Sucherman (Ex-Officio).
Executive Director Leslie Fischman thanked Lee Sucherman, outgoing President, for his leadership during an incredibly challenging time.
“Lee, you have taught me that resilience is the key to success,” she said. “You were calm and reassuring when I thought the world was crashing in. You were right by my side, supporting our board’s decision as our staff and community began to face the grim realities of the pandemic.”
As outgoing President, Sucherman had the honor of presenting the John N. Weinstock Award. Established in 1978, the award honors a first-term board member who has shown outstanding leadership ability. This year’s recipient was Robyn Nowak, who was incredibly impactful in 2020 as co-chair of JCC’s Big Night In.
The meeting concluded with a message from lifelong JCC member and incoming President, Aimee Bain, followed by remarks from Fischman, who encouraged supporters of the JCC to move forward in 2021 with purpose and pride.
Fischman said, “In this time of uncertainty, our JCC community realized new traits: flexibility, adaptability, and the willingness to make changes in real-time. COVID-19 is not over yet, but we do see light. Together we will take this organization to new heights.”
