Courtesy of Mayerson JCC
Submitted by Mayerson JCC
In 2012, Marc Fisher made the jump from volunteer to CEO of the Mayerson JCC. At the recent JCC Annual Meeting, he said: “Thirteen years ago, our J was still discovering who we were. We had moved into this incredible facility in the fall of 2008 — seventeen years ago — and were still figuring out what we wanted to become. I realized I could make a greater impact from within the organization than from the board room.”
Since then, he has committed to helping the JCC thrive and grow, and his influence has been both seen and felt throughout the organization. Now he has retired from his role, but he made sure to note he wasn’t retiring from the community. He plans to be involved in special projects at the J and within the community.
Jen Stein, former board president, said: “None of this happened by accident and none of this was possible without the vision, tenacity, and dedication of our incredible CEO, Marc Fisher. For Marc, every decision, every priority, every program relates back to our mission of engagement and connection, and our J would not be as large as it is, our programming would not be as robust as it is, and our community would not be as strong as it is without his commitment to the mission over the past 13 years.”
Some highlights of Marc’s tenure include: the development and growth of the Jewish & Israeli Film Festival, the development of the J Classic, the launch of Under One Roof, the start of the Oy Vey 5K, the growth of the Fall Market and the expansion of the Early Childhood School from 125 to 185 children.
About this development, Marc says, “This growth hasn’t been just for growth’s sake. I have been driven to make our Jewish community one to be envied and desired by others.”
Bob Ostreicher, incoming board president, expressed deep gratitude to Marc and said, “During his tenure as CEO, the J has been shaped by his operating expertise and driven leadership, and perhaps most importantly, his remarkable ability to develop talent and build what can only be described as a phenomenal team. While we rightfully look back to celebrate the many successes achieved over these past 13 years under his leadership, I also want to make sure Marc knows that, looking forward, his foundation of excellence will be felt for years to come.”
One of the ways that Marc’s impact will be felt is the foundation of the Professional Development Fund.
Debbie Brant, who became the JCC board president when Marc was hired as CEO, introduced the Marc Fisher Professional Development Fund, established in his honor. She said, “Even though Marc is retiring, his impact will be felt for years to come. Throughout his tenure, Marc championed the growth and excellence of the JCC’s most valuable asset: its people. Marc has always understood that professional development isn’t just about acquiring new skills — it’s about inspiring purpose, strengthening connections and fueling innovation.”
Conferences, training programs and fellowships provide staff with essential tools and inspiration, while cultivating a network of support across the Jewish professional world. Unfortunately, these opportunities are often among the first to be eliminated when budgets tighten.
This endowment fund, which is restricted to supporting professional development, will ensure it remains a key priority, empowering the J to attract and retain top talent and reinforcing a culture where every team member feels supported and valued.
Debbie also announced that the Fisher family, including the families of Marc, his three brothers and their mother, made an initial investment of $250,000 to establish this endowment fund which will “empower the J to attract and retain top talent and reinforce a culture where every team member feels supported and valued.”
Throughout the evening, Marc received several special recognitions from the JCC and local dignitaries. U.S. Representative Greg Landsman read his accomplishments into the official record at the House of Representatives. City Council member Mark Jeffries read an official proclamation from Mayor Aftab Pureval. In addition, he was presented with the JCC Nadiv Award by his successor, Holly Wolfson. This award has been presented only four times in JCC history and given to those who play a significant role in the transformation of the JCC through unusual acts of kindness, generosity and hard work.
For his part, Marc said he is looking forward to retirement. He noted, “There is a ready, willing and capable leader to follow me. I have a sense of accomplishment and a great deal of pride in the state of the Mayerson JCC.” He is looking forward to spending more time with his family, developing new hobbies and enjoying “this 60 & Better life.”
“I am not going to disappear from the J or this community, but I will step back from the daily grind. I will miss it, probably more than any of you can imagine,” said Marc.
