Merged Jewish agencies hire leader

The Jewish Federation of Columbus and the Columbus Jewish Foundation, which recently merged, have named a new CEO.

Joel Marcovitch, previously CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, will move with his wife and two children to Columbus to lead the merged organizations.

“The Columbus Jewish community has always been a beacon of wonderful Jewish communities,” Marcovitch told The Dispatch, citing the Jewish population of about 25,000 in Columbus and its “vibrancy.”

“I am looking forward to meeting anyone who has a drive for building community,” he said.

Marcovitch, originally from London, led the Toledo federation for five years.

While in Toledo, Marcovitch led the group out of a period where it struggled with leadership and participation to one with a new vision and improved programming for the community, according to a news release. Marcovitch

The merger of Columbus’ two Jewish fundraising and development organizations was announced earlier this year, when the boards of each found out their leaders would be leaving their posts.

Foundation CEO Jackie Jacobs retired this month and former Federation CEO Gordon Hecker announced in June 2017 that he was leaving this month. The organizations are both housed at 1175 College Ave. in Berwick.

“I think we are very strong together,” Marcovitch said of the merger. “The combination of these two organizations is a beacon of light. ... I think it can play an incredibly important role in not only the Jewish community, but the general community.”