The Jewish Community Board of Akron is excited to announce the creation of a new leadership position – Chief Program Officer – focused on delivering Jewish programing for all ages on the Schultz Campus and throughout Jewish Akron. The Akron Jewish community has tremendous assets – outstanding congregations and agencies, dedicated leaders and donors, and a rich tradition of community engagement. The Chief Program Officer position will leverage these strengths, create new partnerships, and ensure that the community provides dynamic and engaging Jewish programming for all ages.

To this end, the Jewish Community Board of Akron is excited to announce that Sam Chestnut will assume this new role as JCBA Chief Program Officer as of July 1. Sam will continue to serve as Head of School at The Lippman School but will narrow his focus to work with the Board, strategic planning and initiatives, community partner development and stewardship, fundraising, and marketing. Sam will also continue to oversee the development and implementation of Jewish studies programming and curriculum.

Matt Russ will serve as Principal of The Lippman School, working in close consultation with Sam as he takes on the responsibility for operational management of the school. Matt, who holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies, has over twenty years of experience and currently serves as Lippman’s Curriculum Coordinator. “The Schultz Campus for Jewish Life is fortunate to have Sam and Matt, who have worked together for eleven years,” said Scott Newman, chair, The Lippman School board of directors. “Matt is well-prepared to step into this new role, while Sam is able to leverage his ability to develop and implement innovative programs that will reach a much larger audience."

Over the years there have been internal audits, community planning initiatives, and external consultants that have identified the need to find more ways for Jewish Akron to collaborate and to help our community work smarter.

“We have successfully integrated the business and human resource functions on the Schultz Campus, increasing efficiency and effectiveness,” said Daniel Blain, CEO of JCBA. “We are now applying a similar model to bring greater resources and a more coordinated effort to collaborate, create and grow new opportunities. We are confident that this new focus will result in high impact programs for more in our community."

The Akron Jewish Community would like to thank the leadership of the JCBA and The Lippman School for their courage and vision to help realize this significant step for the campus and community.