Shalom Herzl Community,
I am excited to share the conclusion of our search for a new leader. Please join me in welcoming Tommy Hoffman as the new Executive Director of Herzl Camp on January 1, 2024!
If you haven’t met Tommy already, I’m honored to introduce him. Tommy has a decades-long history with Herzl Camp as a staff member, camper parent, and dedicated Herzl volunteer. He brings a long and successful background in real estate and business development and has served in key volunteer leadership roles, including as President of Temple Israel in Minneapolis and as the founder of the Sober Farms Project, a groundbreaking approach to sobriety for young adults. Tommy has also been involved in Jewish camping on a national level, having served on the Union of Reform Judaism’s Youth & Summer Camping Committee. Our search committee was impressed with Tommy’s business and community experience, his ability to inspire those around him, his creativity, authenticity, and his valuable perspective as a Herzl alum and parent. His enthusiasm and love of our mission distinguished him among a highly talented candidate pool.
Tommy’s considerable talents come to Herzl Camp at a pivotal time in our history. Jewish camping’s impact on community building and Jewish engagement has never been more important. I am confident that Tommy’s vision and passion will expand Herzl Camp’s reach, create a meaningful impact on our community, instill a love for Israel among our campers and staff, and positively influence the next generation of Jewish leaders.
I’d like to thank our Search Committee, chaired by Jenna Budda, and assisted by our executive search consultant, Josh Youman, for its diligence and thoughtfulness. The committee devoted significant time and effort to this process.
Thanks as well to our year-round professional team, led by Danya Kornblum, Gary Kibort, and Holly Guncheon. This dedicated team of experienced camp professionals has worked hard to expand Herzl’s reach. Their diligent work shows enrollment rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, and they are nearing completion of a thorough assessment of Herzl’s capacity to provide year-round programming. At the same time, during this especially difficult time for Jews around the world, they have stepped up with additional efforts to support our camp community. Danya, Gary, and Holly continually lead Herzl with professionalism and deep passion for our mission and our board is deeply appreciative.
As we enter this next chapter with Tommy at the helm, I am confident that our entire professional team will ensure that Herzl Camp continues our strong traditions while looking toward the future as we invest in our programming, facility, and camper and staff experience. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, January 28, at 7 pm for an online and in-person gathering to get to know Tommy.
Herzl L’Tamid,
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Jason Grais
President, Herzl Camp Association
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Inside Scoop rescheduled for January 28 |
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Meet Tommy and catch up on all things Herzl!
In one quick, informative hour, we'll share all the Herzl Camp news that you need to know! Join us online or in person to meet new Executive Director Tommy Hoffman, catch up on camp's current initiatives, and hear from our Israeli campers and staff directly.
When: Sunday, January 28, 7 pm Central
Where: Online OR Sabes JCC Theater
- In-person guests join us for ice cream sundaes after.
- Online guests, BYO-Ice Cream!
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Our sincere gratitude to our search team |
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Bringing a new leader to a community-owned camp like Herzl truly takes a village. We are deeply grateful for their diligence as well as the hundreds of hours these tireless volunteers contributed to the process. |
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Our Executive Director Search Committee
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Chair Jenna Budda, Alum, Camper Parent, Herzl Camp Association Board Member
- Rabbi Elka Abrahamson, Alum
- Andrew Azorsky, Alum
- Neil Fink, Alum, Camper Parent, Herzl Camp Association Past President
- Ilyse Goldsmith, Camper Parent, Herzl Camp Association President-Elect
- Jason Grais, Alum, Camper Parent, Herzl Camp Association President
- Ed Hoffman, Alum, Staff Parent, Herzl Camp Foundation President
- Randi Lachter, Alum, Staff Parent
- Amy Marks, Alum
Our Search Consultant
- Josh Youman, Youman Resources
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