Mandel JCC Announces New CEO

Dear Mandel JCC Community,

It is with tremendous pride and excitement that we announce Samantha Klein as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Mandel Jewish Community Center (JCC) of the Palm Beaches.

Samantha is a visionary, values-driven leader with more than two decades of experience in Jewish communal service and nonprofit management. During her 13 years at the Mandel JCC, she has become a cornerstone of the organization. She is known for her deep understanding of our community, her creative and forward-thinking approach, and her commitment to strengthening Jewish life across the Palm Beaches.

As Chief Operating Officer and most recently as Interim CEO, Samantha has guided the JCC through a time of record engagement and stability while cultivating a culture rooted in excellence, care, and purpose. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and strategic mindset have shaped our growth across both campuses and inspired new levels of teamwork, innovation, and pride throughout the organization.

Samantha’s professional journey includes leadership roles at the Marcus JCC in Atlanta as well as positions in marketing and real estate, where she developed strong skills in business strategy, branding, and relationship building. Her blend of mission-driven passion and practical business experience makes her uniquely prepared to lead a $16.5 million operation with more than 200 dedicated staff members across multiple campuses.

Under Samantha’s leadership, the Mandel JCC will begin an exciting new chapter that includes developing the Exter Center, planned on our Palm Beach Gardens campus, in partnership with Federation and Meyer Prep, and reimagining our Boynton Beach campus to meet the growing needs of the community.

Samantha leads with collaboration and inclusivity. She values strong partnerships with Federation, synagogues, community agencies, and local organizations. Her deep commitment to Jewish values and her ability to bring people together will ensure that the Mandel JCC continues to be the heart of Jewish life in the Palm Beaches.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Susan Shulman Pertnoy, my co-chair of the CEO Search Committee, and to committee members Barry Berg, Neil Exter, David Friedlander, Elana Rickel, Ira Gerstein, Chris Goldberg, Stacey Levy, Peter Liebman, Barry Litt, Eva Schlanger, and Joel Yudenfreund for their dedication, insight, and thoughtful leadership throughout this process.

Please join us in celebrating Samantha Klein, a dynamic and compassionate leader, as she steps into this pivotal role. With Samantha at the helm, the Mandel JCC is poised for a vibrant and inspiring future.

Sincerely,

Vivian Lieberman
Board Chair
Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches