New Leadership Transition Plan Announced

On October 8, 2024, Mandel JCC's Board of Trustees announced that it accepted the resignation of CEO Rabbi Carnie Rose, effective October 13, 2024. Rabbi Rose, who joined Mandel JCC in January 2023, is leaving to pursue other professional interests.

Margot Tomer has been recruited from University Hospitals of Cleveland to assume the role of chief operating officer to manage the agency's day-to-day operations. Ms. Tomer was the finance director supporting the MacDonald Women’s Hospital and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital at University Hospitals. Previously, she spent six years working at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland as the managing director of allocations and nearly seven years as finance director at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. Tomer graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in economics and international affairs. She and her husband, Adie, reside in Shaker Heights with their three children.

“On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Carnie for his stewardship of the Mandel JCC over the past two years as we re-emerged from the physical constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bruce Rosenbaum, board chair of Mandel JCC Board of Trustees. “His enthusiasm for Jewish life and community helped to energize the organization at that important juncture. Furthermore, his willingness to work with the agency over the next few weeks to ensure a seamless leadership transition speaks volumes about his character and commitment to our membership,” Rosenbaum added.

Rabbi Rose spoke glowingly of the Mandel JCC’s leadership, both professional and lay. “I feel blessed to have enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with such dedicated individuals. With such talent, I know great things are on the horizon for Mandel JCC and the Cleveland community.”

According to Mr. Rosenbaum, the Mandel JCC Board is forming a search committee to conduct a national search for a permanent successor. “The Mandel JCC plays an important role in the fabric of Jewish Cleveland,” he said. “The next CEO will inherit an organization with a proud legacy and an exciting future. We look forward to discussing this unique leadership opportunity with potential candidates.” The JCC Association of North America will assist with the search.