Five Towns JCC Names New Director

Joel Block, who previously served as the executive director and CEO of the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack, has been named the executive director of the JCC of the Greater Five Towns.

Block succeeds Rina Shkolnik, who retired on June 30.

“Rina Shkolnik and the dedicated board of directors and compassionate staff of the JCC of the Greater Five Towns have built a remarkable organization,” Block said. “As we look to the future, we will work together with our community partners to strengthen our role as a resource, common meeting place and Jewish communal center. Our focus will be to expand our programming for people of every age and continue to meet the ever evolving social service needs of our community.”

In his new role, Block will “provide strategic direction for the JCC and rely on his expertise in program development and community relations to expand the JCC’s curriculum, strengthen its community ties and encourage overall growth,” according to the press release.

Block, who went to HAFTR and HALB, is a graduate of Yeshiva University. He began his career at the Hartman Y in Far Rockaway.

During Block’s time at the Suffolk Y JCC, he helped establish the center as one of the largest JCC’s in the country, and received international and national awards for his community outreach efforts.

“The JCC of the Greater Five Towns is extremely pleased to welcome Joel to both our center and community,” says Arnold Waldman, president of the JCC of Greater Five Towns. “Joel has long been recognized as a visionary and leader who has built respect among his peers and within the community he serves. We look forward to him bringing his strengths and experience to the Five Towns and helping us continue our mission and expand our reach.”