David Black Appointed Executive Director at Sid Jacobson JCC

Susan Bender retires after 18 years as Executive Director

Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center is pleased to announce the appointment of David Black as Executive Director. Black was voted in at the October Board of Directors meeting.

“Sid Jacobson JCC is the model of social consciousness, community connection and health within the JCC movement,” Black said. “Susan Bender, the Board and the staff envisioned a caring community and brought it to life. What incredible footsteps I get to walk in and what extraordinary partners I inherit.  My intention is to take this beautiful place from strength to strength.  I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.”

Black comes to the JCC with over 25 years of experience in the Jewish non-profit world. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, he was the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Yeshiva University since 2007. Previously, he also served as the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, the CEO of the French Institute Alliance Française, Vice President of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science and Deputy Director of the Zionist Organization of America. Black holds a BA from Binghamton University and studied international relations and sociology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He was awarded the Ordre National du Mérite by the French government in 1998.

In a volunteer capacity, Black was chosen to represent Israel on the New York- Israel Cultural Cooperation Commission from 2000 to 2004.  Currently, Mr. Black serves on the cabinet of the American Zionist Movement, is a committee member of Renaissance Française and is President of the American Friends of Yahad In Unum, a national non-profit association supporting interfaith relations and Holocaust discovery work of a French Catholic Priest, Father Patrick Desbois.

Black will take over as Sid Jacobson JCC Executive Director for Susan Bender, who will be retiring after 19 years in the position. During Bender’s tenure, the JCC developed programs for the most vulnerable members of the community, including specialized programs for autistic children and young adults, a day program for older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease, a free cancer wellness group, a first-of-its-kind program for adults with Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and UJA-Federation of NY’s Connect to Care and Partners in Caring. Bender also oversaw the JCC’s 30,000 square foot addition in 2001 and the 2008 purchase of the 15-acre Bernice Jacobson Day School & Camp in Brookville, both of which permitted the expansion of social services, cultural arts, camping and childcare.

“David brings a great deal of skill and knowledge which will help bring Sid Jacobson JCC to a new level of service to our community,” Bender said.