Michael Waldman named executive director of St. Paul JCC

AJW Staff Report

After conducting a national search, the board of directors of the St. Paul JCC has announced its unanimous decision to appoint Michael Waldman as executive director, effective Dec. 6. Waldman will succeed Dori Denelle who served in this position since 2002.

A St. Paul native, Waldman brings 15 years of JCC experience to his new position, most recently as vice president and chief operating officer at the Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, Texas. He is experienced in program development, staff supervision, fiscal management, strategic planning, fund development and community relations.

Waldman started his JCC career as a member of the St. Paul JCC’s youth department in 1995. He then worked his way from being the St. Paul JCC’s teen director to Camp Butwin director and finally youth services director. Waldman is looking forward to working with the St. Paul JCC staff and community once again.

“Coming back to the St. Paul JCC is a sort of homecoming, both personally and professionally,” Waldman said in a press release. “I am looking forward to renewing old relationships and building new relationships in the community. The St. Paul JCC is well known locally and across the country as a model of success for professionals and volunteers. I consider myself to be extremely privileged to add my name to the list of extraordinary executives who have led the St. Paul JCC.”

Waldman earned his B.A. in communications from Metropolitan State University and his MBA in business leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

“With his background and experience, Michael is the right leader for the next chapter of the St. Paul JCC,” said JCC Board President Maggie Madden. “It is with great excitement that we welcome Michael and his family back to St. Paul.”

Waldman will return to Minnesota with his wife, Erin, and newborn son, Jason.