Jewish Community Action Names Beth Gendler As New Executive Director

Jewish Community Action, a nonprofit organization that brings together Jewish people to take action on racial and economic justice issues in Minnesota, has announced that Beth Gendler has been selected as its new Executive Director.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled Beth will lead us,” said JCA Board Chair David Brauer. “We found someone in our community who knows our community, has been a JCA member, has deep advocacy and leadership experience and allied with us on campaigns, and will continue building upon our 25-year legacy of powerful Jewish organizing.”

Beth Gendler has served as the executive director of the National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota since 2012, and announced her departure from that organization last week.

At JCA, Beth will be succeeding Carin Mrotz, who has led the organization since 2017, and has served on staff for 18 years. Under Mrotz’s tenure, JCA has grown in membership and racked up high-profile policy wins in housing and immigrant justice, and hate-crimes reform.

“I am overjoyed that Beth will be the next executive director of JCA,” said Mrotz. “I can not think of a better leader to pass this baton to, and I know Beth will continue serving our community and building the progressive Jewish voice for justice in Minnesota.”

Mrotz will remain in the role full-time through April, and Gendler’s first day as executive director will be May 1st, 2022.

“It is my absolute honor to be selected by the Board to serve as the next Executive Director of Jewish Community Action,” said Gendler. “I come to this work with deep admiration and gratitude for my predecessor, and friend, Carin Mrotz. Under her visionary leadership, JCA has grown into a focused, powerful voice for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. I am looking forward to building upon this legacy of tenacious, fearless local justice organizing rooted in Jewish values, at a time when it is so urgently needed.”

JCA will welcome Beth and celebrate Carin’s leadership at the 20th Annual Freedom Seder, held virtually on March 27th at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend, tickets can be purchased here.