The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore announces the appointment of Paul Lurie as the organization’s incoming CEO.
Lurie, who officially assumes the role on Sept. 1, succeeds Barak Hermann, who announced his departure from the JCC in January to become president and CEO of the JCC Association of North America.
In Lurie, the JCC gains a locally grown leader who has served the organization and Jewish community in various roles for more than 22 years. Having held the title of chief operating officer since 2016, he currently oversees building operations, membership, security, facilities, fitness, aquatics and technology at both JCC campuses in Owings Mills and Park Heights, Md.
He has worked closely with the JCC’s executive team on strategic planning, visioning, analysis and fiscal management, as well as oversaw multiple renovation and construction projects, including the 2023 renovation of the Gordon Center lobby.
Lurie is also serving as the JCC liaison to The Associated on the major redevelopment of the Goldsmith Campus in Park Heights, which is currently in its third phase.
“On behalf of the JCC of Greater Baltimore board of directors, I am pleased to announce Paul Lurie as our next CEO,” said Keith Shapiro, JCC board chair. “Over the past several months, we have engaged in a rigorous national search process that considered candidates from across
the country. Paul proved to be the ideal choice, providing both the continuity and innovative leadership we need to begin our next chapter. Paul dedicated his entire career to serving the JCC’s mission and vision and has established himself as a confident and respected leader in the local Jewish community and among JCCs across the country.
“Throughout his tenure, Lurie has played a pivotal role in our organization’s growth and success, consistently demonstrating his steadfast commitment to promoting and strengthening Jewish life and values. We know the entire JCC community, including our staff, supporters, partners and members, will be thrilled to welcome and congratulate Paul as our new lead executive.”
Lurie joined the JCC in 2003 as JCC Maccabi experience director and ascended to senior program director in 2013, then vice president of fitness, recreation and aquatics in 2014, before becoming COO.
He currently serves as national co-chair of the JCC Maccabi Games, which convene more than 3,000 Jewish teen athletes each summer for a week of individual and team competition and Jewish engagement.
“I am honored beyond measure to have this opportunity to serve as the next CEO of the JCC of Greater Baltimore,” said Lurie. “In every role I have held over the past 20-plus years, I have sought to optimize the JCC’s operations, foster a positive organizational culture and drive impactful initiatives that embody our core Jewish values. I am proud of the progress we’ve made in ensuring the JCC is a gathering place that welcomes all, strengthens Jewish identity and builds bridges with the broader community.
Together, he said, “we will continue to enrich, connect and celebrate our vibrant Jewish community, and I am excited to lead us into the future.”
