Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jackie Congedo — In Conversation

Change brings opportunity. I am excited to share that because of the beautiful, anonymous gift of $18 million to our partner agency, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC), HHC will expand the important work it is doing.

I will be joining the leadership team of HHC as its Chief Community Engagement & External Relations Officer, leaving my role as Director of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). This new role provides a growth opportunity to expand my leadership. This is a key position that will grow the HHC’s Cincy Upstander Project, lead marketing and communications, foster strategic partnerships, and expand relationships with stakeholders.

This is bittersweet, but as I mentioned above, with change comes opportunity. I am proud of my accomplishments as director and excited about this great opportunity for HHC and our entire community. This is a true testament to the Federation’s Talent Management initiative—keeping and nurturing great talent to lead us into the future. I am honored to attend Federation’s Annual Meeting on May 18th, where I will receive the Alice and Harris Weston Junior “Avodah” Professional Award in recognition of talented professional leaders.

I have been with the Federation for over six years, first as Federation’s Public Relations Manager then as JCRC Director. As JCRC Director, I have guided the work of Jewish community relations and advocacy and strengthened our influence on both a local and national level. Under the Federation and JCRC, I spearheaded the creation of the Leaders in Light Institute. This is a first-of-its-kind leadership development program, designed to address extremism and polarization and to strengthen democratic practice in the civic realm.

My last day on staff at the Federation will be May 20, but I will remain involved throughout the month of June to support several projects and to assist with the transition of the JCRC portfolio. A national search is underway for a replacement. Interested candidates can apply here. I am confident the Federation will hire another highly talented individual for this key role. In the interim, Mark Barsman, JCRC’s Board President, and Federation CEO Danielle V. Minson will provide support to the JCRC board and community. Please feel free to reach out to either at dminson@jfedcin.org and MarkBarsman@gmail.com. I will begin work after July 5 in my new role at the HHC and may be reached at jcongedo@cincyhhc.org.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the mission of our JCRC. I wish the next director much success in their new role and I know we will continue to collaborate together in the future.

Jackie Congedo, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council