Gilman Partners Leading CEO Search for The Mayerson JCC
March 18, 2025 – Executive search firm Gilman Partners has been retained by The Mayerson JCC (the J) in Cincinnati, OH, to lead in its search for a new CEO. Partners Michele Plessinger and Barry Elkus are leading the assignment. The CEO of the J reports to the board of trustees and is responsible for leading the operations of a complex organization, consistent achievement of its mission, and financial objectives.
The CEO partners with the board to establish the long-term strategic direction for the J and to formulate policy. The CEO leads a passionate and long-tenured staff and represents the J in the Jewish and broader communities, promoting the J’s mission and its vital role to all stakeholders. The CEO is the J’s chief ambassador and builds trust and collaboration with partner organizations throughout the community. The CEO will be active in relationship-building with funders, donors, and partners and play a significant role in achieving the fundraising goals of the organization.
Candidates should have 10+ years of executive experience and skills developed as a senior leader in another J, a Jewish community organization, another non-profit, or the business sector with a record of achievement in organizational leadership, team management, and financial health. A recognition of trends affecting the Jewish community and a commitment to enhancing Jewish life and culture in Greater Cincinnati is also desired.
Those applying must have a keen interest and understanding of Jewish culture, practices, and traditions as well as demonstrated success managing and leading a $15+ million enterprise with profit & loss responsibility, at a large, complex facility with 200+ employees. They should have a proven record of fundraising success, including knowledge of and participation in individual donor development, planned giving, grant procurement, capital and endowment campaigns, corporate sponsorship, and special events. Experience reporting to a board and/or serving as a board member for a mission-based organization is also preferred as well as excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set, and achieve strategic objectives, and manage fiscal priorities.
Related: Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly to 4.1 Percent
The Mayerson JCC connects people so that they can live happier and fuller lives, creating a more vibrant Jewish community. With an expansive fitness center, award-winning early childhood and senior centers, top arts and cultural events, and classes for every age, the J connects, enriches, and inspires more than 27,000 visitors per month.
Finding Senior Leaders
Gilman Partners serves clients throughout the Midwest from its Cincinnati headquarters. Many of its client companies are family owned or privately held. Of the senior leaders placed by Gilman Partners, 96 percent are still with the same organization three years later, according to the latest statistics provided by the firm. With 19 full-time employees, the firm completes more than 100 searches annually.
Executive Search 2025: Balancing AI Innovation with a Human Touch
The executive search industry is entering one of its most transformative eras, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and shifting client needs and expectations. In 2024, firms faced many challenges marked by economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and increasing demand for specialized leadership roles. While internal talent mobility and cautious hiring strategies were dominant themes, the need for resilient, adaptable leaders capable of driving innovation has positioned the industry for a pivotal shift in 2025, recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media. Firms are stepping up to meet these demands by integrating cutting-edge technology into their workflows while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Technology, particularly AI, is reshaping how firms identify, evaluate, and connect with top talent. From automating routine tasks to uncovering deeper insights into market trends and candidate fit, these tools enhance efficiency and precision. However, as industry leaders emphasize, the human element remains central to success in this relationship-driven field. By leveraging AI to scale capabilities without sacrificing the personalized touch, executive search firms are not only redefining their processes but also reimagining their role as strategic talent advisors. As 2025 unfolds, the firms that can balance technological innovation with a deep understanding of leadership and culture will set the standard for the future of the industry.
Ms. Plessinger joined Gilman Partners in 2004 and became a partner in 2018. She is co-leader of the non-profit practice group, and specializes in non-profit leadership, accounting and finance, HR, professional services, and manufacturing C-suite searches. Ms. Plessinger has championed the firm’s use of behavioral assessments, notably predictive index. Prior to joining Gilman Partners, Ms. Plessinger worked for Deloitte, where she built expertise as a human resources business partner and recruiting for the consulting, finance, and accounting industries.
Mr. Elkus joined Gilman Partners in 2007 and became a partner in 2012. He is co-leader of the non-profit leadership practice, leader of the sales & marketing practice, and specializes in C-suite searches. Prior to joining Gilman Partners, Mr. Elkus served as a marketing and business leader in several industries including healthcare, retail and franchise development.
Related: Predicting Talent Acquisition Trends for 2025
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
