The Mandell JCC held its annual meeting on June 17 in West Hartford, and presented ‘Transformation’ awards and the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Awards.

Submitted

More than 250 members, volunteers, donors, staff, and community leaders gathered on June 17 for the Mandell JCC’s 111th Annual Meeting, an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, honoring service, recognizing community impact, and looking ahead to the organization’s next chapter of growth and transformation.

The meeting’s theme, “Transformation,” reflected both the accomplishments of the past year and the vision guiding the future of the organization. Throughout the evening, attendees celebrated transformative programs, recognized outstanding staff and volunteers, honored exceptional student-athletes, welcomed new leadership, and reflected on the role the Mandell JCC plays in strengthening community across Greater Hartford.

A highlight of the evening was the installation of Meryl Mandell Braunstein as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Braunstein succeeds Steven M. Greenspan, who concluded an unprecedented third term as Board Chair after helping guide the organization through a period of strategic planning, growth, and community engagement.

The evening also recognized Greenspan’s extraordinary leadership and service. During his tenure, he helped strengthen governance, deepen philanthropy, guide strategic planning efforts, and position the organization for future growth. In recognition of his lasting impact, a tree was dedicated in his honor in the President’s Courtyard.

Reflecting on the challenges facing Jewish communities today, Greenspan spoke about the unique role the Mandell JCC plays in building understanding and strengthening community.

“As antisemitism continues to rise, it would be easy for Jewish institutions to turn inward,” said Greenspan. “But the JCC offers a different answer. Every day, people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds walk through our doors. The ‘J’ is on the building. Our identity is clear. Yet people from across the community come here because they feel welcomed, respected, included, and valued. When people learn, exercise, celebrate, volunteer, and build friendships together, barriers come down. Understanding grows. Communities become stronger. The JCC combats hatred by creating relationships, understanding, and community.”

Braunstein shared her vision for the years ahead, emphasizing continued investment in community, leadership development, member experience, and the organization’s long-term future.

“I am honored to serve as Board Chair at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Braunstein. “Transformation is not simply about buildings or programs. It is about creating opportunities for people to connect, belong, lead, and thrive. We are building on a strong foundation while preparing the Mandell JCC for future generations.”

During her remarks, Braunstein highlighted the organization’s ongoing strategic planning efforts, a renewed mission and vision, and future opportunities that will help shape the next chapter of the Mandell JCC.

The leadership transition included a particularly meaningful moment when former Board Chair Joyce Mandell surprised attendees by presenting the Board Chair’s gavel to her daughter, Meryl. Thirty years after becoming the first woman to serve as Chair of the Mandell JCC Board of Directors, Mandell reflected on her family’s longstanding connection to the organization and expressed confidence in the next generation of leadership.

“As a mother, I could not be prouder. As a past Board Chair, I could not be more confident in the future of this organization under her leadership,” said Mandell as she presented the gavel to Braunstein.

“The Mandell JCC has always evolved to meet the needs of our community,” said David Jacobs, President and CEO. “This year’s Annual Meeting reflected not only how far we’ve come, but our commitment to building an even stronger future through investment in our people, programs, partnerships, and Jewish community.”

The evening was chaired by graduating teen Board representative Eva Greenspan, whose reflections on growing up at the JCC highlighted the organization’s impact across generations. Drawing on her experiences as a participant in Early Childhood programs, theater, leadership initiatives, and the Board of Directors, she spoke about the many ways the JCC helps young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.

The Mandell JCC also honored employees celebrating significant service milestones. Representing departments throughout the organization, the honorees reflected decades of dedication to children, families, members, and the broader community. Their collective years of service represent thousands of lives touched through education, wellness, recreation, culture, and community building.

A major portion of the evening was devoted to the presentation of the 2026 Mandell JCC Transformation Awards, recognizing programs and initiatives that have strengthened community, expanded engagement, and advanced the organization’s mission.

Transformation Awards were presented to:

• Jewish Hartford: Our Community. Our Stories
• Brain Health Symposium and Sports & Brain Health Seminar
• MPowered Women’s Menopause Wellness Program
• Sunrise on Wheels at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
• ADAY4THEJ Giving Day
• JNext: Next Generation Philanthropy Group
• Under One Roof at The Bushnell
• Family Room Social Action Initiative

The awards recognized the staff, volunteers, donors, lay leaders, and community partners whose creativity, vision, and commitment helped bring these initiatives to life and create meaningful impact throughout Greater Hartford.

The evening also celebrated the recipients of the Hartford Jewish Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 Dr. Morris Cohen Youth Athletic Awards. The awards honor graduating high school seniors who exemplify athletic achievement, leadership, character, academic excellence, and commitment to the Jewish community.

This year’s recipients were:

• Leah Berey
• Hannah Fink
• Adam Gold
• Benjamin Goldstein
• Eli Kramer
• Anya Leshem
• Jonah Schulman

Each recipient was recognized for demonstrating excellence both on and off the field, court, track, or pool while serving as role models within their schools and communities.

Members also elected a new slate of officers and directors to help guide the organization into its next chapter.

Newly elected Board members include Kelsey Buchbinder, Richard Conner, Shaina Gustafson, Elissa Port, Jodie Sadowsky, and Rachel Siegel.

Board members re-elected to continue their service include Jessica Gagnon, Matthew Hyde, Adam Korus, Tamara Kagan Levine, Irene O’Connor, David Shapiro, Ronit Shoham, Rebecca Stewart, and Karen Tuvin.

Officers elected for the coming year include Board Chair Meryl Mandell Braunstein; Past Board Chair Steven M. Greenspan; Vice Chairs Joshua Feldman, Kathy Fishman, Matthew Hoffman, Lewis Brown, and Molly Polk; Secretary Deborah Mehlman; Treasurer Jeffrey Azia; and Assistant Treasurer David Lavoie.

Throughout the evening, speakers returned to a common theme: the strength of the Mandell JCC has always been rooted in people. Whether through volunteer leadership, philanthropy, professional excellence, or participation in programs, the organization’s impact is made possible by a community committed to supporting one another and building a vibrant future together.

As the Mandell JCC begins its 112th year, the organization remains focused on expanding its impact, strengthening Jewish community, investing in future generations, and ensuring that it continues to serve as a welcoming home for individuals and families of all backgrounds.

For more information about the Mandell JCC, visit www.mandelljcc.org.

About the Mandell JCC

The Mandell JCC strengthens and enriches the Greater Hartford community by providing outstanding programs and services rooted in Jewish values. Serving individuals and families of all backgrounds, the Mandell JCC offers programs in early childhood education, fitness and wellness, camps, arts and culture, inclusion, Jewish life, youth development, and community engagement.

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