February 4, 2022 (AKRON, OH). On Wednesday evening, the Jewish Community Board of Akron (JCBA) board of trustees unanimously voted to appoint Daniel Blain as its Chief Executive Officer. As an experienced non-profit and fundraising leader, Blain will succeed Todd Polikoff and interim CEO, David Koch, and assume responsibilities as soon as next week.
As CEO, Blain will lead the Akron Jewish community’s efforts to preserve, perpetuate, and enhance Jewish life in Akron. He will work to cultivate a culture of collaboration among donors, key stakeholders, lay leaders, professional staff, volunteers, and the Schultz Campus agencies. Outside of the campus, Blain will serve as the voice of the organized Akron Jewish community, creating and supporting connections and relationships with Summit County organizations, the broader non-Jewish community, Israel, and our overseas partners.
According to JCBA President, Thomas Mandel, "Daniel will bring a wealth of fundraising experience to our JCBA. He already has deep connections in our Akron Jewish community and is well respected across Northeast Ohio. We are very fortunate to have found Daniel in our search and to have been able to bring him on-board. I am looking forward to working with him."
Blain’s experience includes 23 years with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, including service as the Director of Community Relations, Campaign Director, and Senior Vice President. Blain has a demonstrated ability to build and mobilize effective teams, plan, and lead successful fundraising campaigns, and cultivate trusted relationships. His most recent role was Vice President for Advancement at Northeast Ohio Medical University and President of the NEOMED Foundation, where he exceeded the organization’ $40 million fundraising goal by 10% in the University’s first comprehensive campaign.
“I am honored to take on this role for the Akron Jewish community, known for its strong leadership, high affiliation rates, and outstanding campus, agencies and congregations,” says Daniel. “I look forward to working with the JCBA Board, staff and others to ensure the continued vibrancy of the community.”
Blain holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Social Work from Washington University and a Master of Arts in Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College. Blain also participated in the Mandel Executive Development Program of the Jewish Federation of North America and has served on many boards and committees within Northeast Ohio, with organizations including the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Circle Health Services/Centers for Families and Children, and the Fund for Our Economic Future. Daniel is married to Miriam Rosenberg, and parent of two adult children – Max and Ruby.
The JCBA is thrilled to welcome Daniel Blain to the campus leadership team and excited to see the impact that he will make on the Akron Jewish community, especially within the Schultz Campus.
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The JCBA supports multiple local, national, and global Jewish organizations and initiatives. Additionally, JCBA oversees the operation of The Schultz Campus for Jewish Life, a 55-acre campus that houses the JCBA, the Shaw JCC of Akron, The Lippman School, Beth El Congregation, Schultz Towers, and Jewish Family Services of Akron.