The J hosted its annual meeting at the Jewish Community Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 28, with a focus on The J’s team before electing a new board slate for the 2025–26 year.

This year’s theme was “Our Home, Our Family,” which was reflected in the remarks made by many throughout the evening. Meeting Chair Fred Bodker opened the program by sharing, “The J isn’t just a building; it’s a home built by generations of families who care deeply about this community.” 

Leaders highlighted upcoming plans for The J, and Bodker said The J continues to grow and invest in its future. 

“In 2026, we will be hosting the JCC Maccabi Games, welcoming nearly 1,000 teens to Kansas City for a week of sports, service and friendship,” he said. “At the same time, our new capital campaign will fund major upgrades, including a new indoor pool and renovations to the White Theatre. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and take about nine to 12 months, helping us strengthen our community for years to come.”

Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehudah of Congregation Beth Shalom gave the d’var Torah at the meeting. Michael Novicoff then reflected on his years of service and leadership as board chair.

“Leadership is not just about vision, it’s about action, commitment, and heart,” Novicoff said.

The J’s Nominating Committee announced a transition in leadership as Novicoff completed his term as board chair. He is succeeded by Dr. Kurt Kavanaugh, who has held numerous roles within The J, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Congregation Beth Shalom and the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. 

Pictured are outgoing J Board Chair Michael Novicoff, Otzmah Award winners Sam and Danielle Levine and CEO Jim Sluyter at The J’s annual meeting.

Throughout the evening, multiple awards were distributed:

  • Danielle and Sam Levine received the Otzmah Award for their leadership and generosity in advancing The J’s new indoor aquatics recreation facility. 
  • The Jewish Experiences team received the Program of the Year Award for Jewish Heritage Night at The K.
  • The Safe Sitter program, led by The J Clubhouse Manager Abbey Klein, received this year’s Hesed Award, which honors programs that demonstrate the value of loving kindness. The initiative equips students and families with essential safety, childcare and life skills.
  • Lenny and Betty Hershman received the Lifetime Membership Award for nearly six decades of dedication to The J. 

Pictured are Betty and Lenny Hershman, winners of The J’s 2025 Lifetime Membership Award, at The J’s annual meeting.

Lenny Hershman, a former board president and founder of the Presidents’ Club, reflected that his involvement has brought “a lifetime of growth, and a lifetime of friendships.” 

President and CEO Jim Sluyter shared remarks highlighting The J’s mission to build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community rooted in Jewish values rather than statistics. He said that the organization’s true return on investment lies in programs that support families, children and seniors, and thanked The J’s staff, leadership and members for their continued commitment to this mission.

During the business portion of the meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the 2025–26 board slate. Four new board members, Neil Miller, Larry Silver, Emily Hirsekorn and Tiffany Simpson, were elected to serve. Several directors were also re-elected for additional terms, and Dr. Kavanaugh was formally installed as board chair. The slate of officers also includes Lisa Schifman, Doris Mendel, Sheryl Kaplan, Ben Hake, Sarah Galler and Michael Novicoff as immediate past chair.

The evening concluded with Dr. Kavanaugh sharing his appreciation for The J’s staff, leadership and members. He highlighted the importance of community, connection and shared purpose in shaping The J’s future.