Oshman Family JCC Appoints New Chief Executive Officer Zachary Bodner

PALO ALTO, Calif. - June 7, 2013 - PRLog -- PALO ALTO, June 4, 2013—The Board of Directors of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) today announced the appointment of Zachary Bodner as Chief Executive Officer.  Bodner, currently the Pacific Northwest Regional Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), will join the OFJCC on August 26, 2013. He succeeds Ric Rudman, who has been Interim CEO since January 2013.

OFJCC incoming Board President and Chair of the Search Committee Sharon Leslie said: “We are excited to welcome Zack to the OFJCC.  Zack’s vision, commitment and leadership are the perfect ingredients to guide the next chapter of our JCC’s remarkable history.  We conducted an extensive national search and are delighted that the OFJCC board has chosen a leader who not only comes from our own community but who deeply understands our mission and dreams for our future.”

As Regional Director for AIPAC since 2001, Bodner has led the remarkable growth and advancement of this national political organization’s programs and priorities in five western states.  An accomplished organizational strategist and fundraiser, he has built strong relationships across the spectrum of Jewish life locally, nationally and in Israel.  

Bodner said: “It is a privilege to bring my experience and passion to bear on this magnificent Jewish communal resource.  My roots run deep in this community.  My son attended the OFJCC preschool and our family participates in the life of this community.  I am excited to fulfill the vision of the leaders and members who built the OFJCC and look forward to working together to further advance this vibrant center for Jewish life in the South Peninsula.”

In addition to his professional career, Bodner has served on boards and in advisory positions at many Jewish communal organizations, including Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, Congregation Beth Sholom of San Francisco, the J Weekly and The Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. He is also an accomplished speaker and writer.  Bodner earned a Masters in Religion from Claremont Graduate University and B.A. from Yale University.  He also studied at Hebrew University and Ohr Somayach Yeshiva in Israel.  Bodner and his wife Ronit have three young children and are residents of Los Altos.

The Oshman Family JCC is one of the largest JCCs in the nation, serving over 10,000 members at its beautiful facilities on the 8.5 acre Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life in Palo Alto. With an annual budget of $18 million, the OFJCC offers world class cultural arts programs, state of the art fitness facilities, award-winning preschool, camp and youth programs, engaging Israeli and Russian programming and community events  and classes for all ages and interests. OFJCC programs are significantly funded by community, foundation and corporate gifts, supporting its many free and low cost programs and enabling financial assistance for OFJCC Preschool and camp scholarships and for senior services.  

For interviews, media information, and images, please contact:

Mimi Sells

(650) 223-8657

msells@paloaltojcc.org

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.

Altos.