Chief Program and Innovation Officer
The Bender JCC expands its vision for community experiences.
Rockville, MD, September 20, 2024 – The Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington (Bender JCC) announced today the creation of a new, full-time position — Chief Program and Innovation Officer (CPIO) — and officially commenced a search for qualified candidates. Creating a senior position focused on developing a unified vision across all its program areas and communities demonstrates the Bender JCC’s continued commitment to offering stellar experiences for its members and guests.
“The CPIO will focus on meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of our members and guests by developing and strengthening Jewish, cultural, educational, and social programming and experiences,” said Josh Bender, CEO. “This new position will help the Bender JCC deepen relationships and connections, so community members are meaningfully engaged as they transition through all life stages.”
The CPIO will inherit and steward a legacy of vibrant community engagement, as the Bender JCC has played a central role in the Greater Washington Jewish Community for generations while also serving the diversity of Montgomery County, including individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, faiths, and identities.
“This new position plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission, vision, and impact, ensuring that programs align with the organization’s goals and objectives,” said Josh Bender. “Working closely with me and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the CPIO will ensure the Bender JCC is well-positioned to respond to new and strategic opportunities, by setting program strategy, evaluating program scalability, and ensuring that Bender JCC programming advances the vision and mission of our community while being at the forefront of innovation in the Greater Washington area and beyond.”
As part of their strategic portfolio, the new CPIO will:
- Oversee all the Bender JCC’s programmatic departments including The Bender Early Childhood Center (Bender ECC), Lessans Camp JCC, Inclusion, Family Engagement, and Adult Programs and Experiences.
- Develop and lead a unified vision for community life at the Bender JCC.
- Build an inspiring and comprehensive vision for Jewish programming and experiences.
- Support the growth of a data culture by using analytics to assess and grow programs.
Additionally, the CPIO will deepen partner relationships and forge new collaborations with organizations committed to serving our Greater Washington Jewish Community.
“I have seen the tremendous impact our Bender JCC has made across all our programmatic areas,” said Daryle Bobb, Bender JCC Board Chair. “I’m proud of our board and professional leadership team for their vision to invest in and expand our programming, which builds on our strengths and will help us reach new heights.”
“The Bender JCC inspires connections within our community,” Josh Bender said. “We are delighted and energized by the possibilities of welcoming a new, talented leader with an impressive track record in program development and a steadfast commitment to community.”
About the Bender JCC:
The Bender Jewish Community Center in Rockville, Maryland, is a premier community center at the heart of Jewish life in Montgomery County, Maryland, operating a full-scale health and fitness center, preschool, day camp, and various education and arts programs. We create a welcoming and inclusive environment, connecting the people of our Jewish community with each other, Israel, and the broader community. We inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being through programs of excellence rooted in Jewish values.
