JCC staff celebrate outgoing CEO David Sorkin with parade

On Friday, June 5th, the staff of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island surprised outgoing CEO David Sorkin with a special retirement parade at the Bernikow JCC. Staff members were joined by Mr. Sorkin’s family members, who also came to wish David well.
 
After planning a regular retirement party, the staff had to quickly shift plans as circumstances changed. The staff came together to make the parade unique, including decorating their cars with signs and balloons. They also presented Mr. Sorkin with menorah made by an Israeli artist to commemorate his work with the agency.
 
Mr. Sorkin thanked his colleagues, noting, “It was a perfect celebration!”
 
Mr. Sorkin’s 15-year tenure in Staten Island is just a fraction of his 43-year career working in the Jewish Community Center field. Over the past 30 years, he has also served as Executive Director of two other JCCs.
 
Under his leadership, the JCC of Staten Island has had several major accomplishments, including opening the Joan and Alan Bernikow Building, which now serves as a recreational, educational, and cultural town center for the community. The organization also dramatically expanded programming and services for the special needs community and launched Sunrise Day Camp, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings. During this time, the JCC also created the Center for Life Long Development, the first of its kind senior programming in NYC. The organization also provided life-saving case management support for victims of Superstorm Sandy.
 
In addition, the JCC has expanded its Early Childhood, day camping, and afterschool programming throughout Staten Island under Mr. Sorkin’s direction. The organization also added programs and services for seniors, those suffering with dementia, and care-givers. With the goal of improving the overall wellness of the Staten Island community, health, fitness, and sports programs and services have been enhanced and expanded as well.
 
Following Mr. Sorkin’s retirement on June 30th, Orit Lender will assume the role of CEO. Ms. Lender currently serves as the agency’s Deputy Executive Director.