Brandt leaving assistant exec position at Jacobs Camp

Gary Brandt, Senior Assistant Director of the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, has announced his plans to leave his current position soon after the summer season concludes.

Brandt’s announcement comes as the Jacobs Camp community says goodbye to current camp director Jonathan “J.C.” Cohen, who will also be leaving at the conclusion of the summer. A farewell event for Cohen is scheduled for Aug. 9 starting at 6 p.m., with the camp opening to visitors at 3 p.m.

Incoming Camp Director Anna Herman, who is already on site in Utica spearheading a comprehensive transition process, noted that “to the current camp community, J.C. and Gary are respected and viewed as inspirational leaders.”

Brandt has served as assistant camp director since April 2009, and has been one of the longest-serving assistant directors in the camp’s 45-year history. During his tenure at Jacobs, Brandt worked to institute a range of eco-friendly improvements, transformed the camp’s staff training model, and traveled many miles to recruit campers.

In October 2013 he completed the Yitro Fellowship Program, a professional development seminar sponsored by the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

Brandt said that during his time at Jacobs Camp “I have learned an immense amount about how to be the kind of leader that helps others grow and learn. To do this I have had to develop a lot of patience, and cultivate my listening and communication skills. I have found fulfillment in helping create a program and community that has pushed our campers to develop their identities, explore Judaism in meaningful ways, and make lifelong connections.”

Herman has already begun the search for new assistant directors, with hopes of filling the positions by summer’s end. Information on the position can be found here.