Dear JTS Community,   

I am pleased to announce that Randy Michaels, former Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Camp Ramah in California, will join JTS as Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer.  As Vice Chancellor, Randy will play a key role in contributing to institutional strategy formation and implementation as JTS moves into the future. Working with the CFO, Randy will provide leadership for the financial and business functions of JTS, while also overseeing human resources, facilities management, informational technology, and legal. 

Randy has had a distinguished career that spanned various industries, including finance, consulting, and nonprofit management. He began his professional career in the financial services sector, honing his expertise in management consulting, investment banking, and financial analysis. He has held roles such as VP Business Design and Development at Charles Schwab and has served as a management consultant at Investment Counseling Inc.  

After owning his own company called Redwood Kitchen and Bath, he transitioned into nonprofit leadership, joining Camp Ramah in California, where he made a significant impact by applying his diverse business skills to support the camp’s day-to-day operations. He oversaw not only the operations of Ramah’s 8-week sleepaway camp, but also the inaugural summer of Ramah Day Camp LA, the year-round operations of The Zimmer Retreat and Conference Center, and several year-round programs. He also served on the committee that evaluated the expansion to Northern California. During his nearly 18-year tenure, Randy effectively managed and drove growth across multiple areas, overseeing a community of over 1,000 people each summer, and a $45M 455-acre property.    

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Randy has served on the board of the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center and the Ramah California Board of Directors, and he has worked with both Hospice of Ventura County and Valley Village, supporting developmentally challenged adults. Randy has brought an overwhelming amount of warmth and commitment to each of these organizations, earning recognition as a valuable and indispensable asset. 

Randy’s stellar combination of professional expertise in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors and his personal dedication to our mission makes him an excellent choice for this critical leadership role. He will begin his new position on February 18 after relocating to the East Coast from California.   

Please join me in extending him a warm welcome to JTS. Also, please join me in sending prayers and support to the Camp Ramah in California community and to everyone in Southern California affected by the devastating wildfires. We are with you in spirit as you navigate this challenging time.