B’shert or bashert…no matter how you spell it, it seems that the arrival of the Interim CEO Karen Jarmoc, on September 11 was meant to be. B’shert is a Yiddish word that literally means “destiny,” though it can be used to refer to any fortuitous event perceived to be divinely ordained or intended by G-d.

‘’I do feel a very deep connection here,” says Jarmoc, explaining the importance of the JCC mission and the opportunity the Interim CEO position offered for her to come back to the nonprofit sector and lend her skills to an agency doing good work. Jarmoc says it is important that we continue to educate and build awareness of our mission of enriching community and nurturing wellness through programs and services.

“We have something for everyone,” Jarmoc says. “The JCC welcomes and is respectful of people of all abilities, ages, backgrounds, identities, and faiths.” The inclusivity that is very much a part of the JCC mission is also important to Jarmoc. “As a person of another faith, it speaks volumes that I was considered for this leadership role.”

“It felt like coming home,” says Jarmoc, who grew up in Longmeadow and was an active member of the JCC, along with her parents and siblings. ”I was in Miss Betty’s class in the preschool, swam, and participated in all kinds of programs and activities here,” says Jarmoc, who also worked as a lifeguard. “My brother Michael met his wife Laura the summer they were both JCC camp counselors.” She also says she was delighted when one of the first people she saw on her first day of employment was member Linda Goldman, who taught Jarmoc’s three children in the Early Learning Center.

Following CEO Sam Dubrinsky’s departure, current JCC Board co-presidents Jonathan Goldsmith and Sally Schneider announced the appointment of Jarmoc in a September 9 member communication, explaining that the hiring of an interim leader will allow time to pursue a national search for the permanent CEO.

Karen Jarmoc brings her vision and transformation skills as an executive with over 20 years of leadership experience within the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Jarmoc says she hopes to enhance the connection members have, continue to improve the value members receive, and support the organization’s financial stabilization.

Jarmoc most recently served as the Chief Sustainability Director for the Allstate Corporation following her role as Assistant Vice President, Corporate Sustainability for The Hartford. She is very proud of her nearly decades-long work as president and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence where she transformed operations, resources, service delivery, and stakeholder confidence while building the coalition’s budget from $7M to $22m. Prior to her work unifying a collective voice for victims of domestic violence and those who serve them, she served as a State Representative, 58th House District in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

She earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Trinity College and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications from Simmons University.

Jarmoc is eager to work with the dedicated JCC team and membership and guide the direction as we move ahead with plans for financial sustainability, growth, and program and service development. We hope you will join us in welcoming Karen in her new role as interim CEO and invite you to meet her at the annual meeting on September 18. Registration is required, so please RSVP by clicking here.