Longtime Jewish youth development professional, Tom Rosenberg, has been named Executive Director of Camp Judaea beginning October 10th.

“Over the past 50 years, Camp Judaea has inspired generations of young men and women to embrace Zionism and make significant contributions in their families, Jewish and secular communities, business, government, and industry. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the organization as we begin Camp Judaea’s next 50 years of high quality, fun and adventurous camp programs that strengthen youth connections to the State of Israel.”  Rosenberg said.

Board Chair Barbara Extein said, “As the Board has gotten to know Tom, we have been very impressed with the breadth of his skills and experience.  We have found an outstanding Executive Director to lead us into the future.”

For the past 21 years, Rosenberg has been a Camp Director at Blue Star Camps.  His early Zionist education was nurtured by Blue Star Owner/Director and Camp Judaea founder, Herman Popkin, of blessed memory.

Jay Kaiman, Executive Director of the Marcus Foundation notes:  “I’ve known Tom for over 20 years and I am excited to see him accept this position.  His leadership and experience in Jewish camping are a great fit for Camp Judaea at this time in its history.  There is nothing more important in Jewish camping right now than an emphasis on Israeli education and the Foundation values Camp Judaea’s focus on Israeli education.  Tom is a much needed asset for our Jewish Community.”

Tom is a past National Treasurer  of the American Camp Association (ACA) as well as a past Board President and Treasurer of ACA Southeastern. Tom is a founding Board Member of the North Carolina Youth Camp Association.  Tom was awarded the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Camp Industry Leadership Award as well as the American Camp Association’s National Honor Award and ACA Southeastern’s Distinguished Service Award. Tom enjoys mentoring youth development professionals on a range of strategic and operational issues and presents educational sessions at national, regional and local conferences.

Tom is married to Pam Sugarman of Atlanta, Georgia. Their four-year-old son, Daniel, loves all things Jewish and Camp — especially Shabbat and music!  They recently moved to Atlanta from Asheville, NC where Tom has served as Board Treasurer of Congregation Beth Israel and on the WNC Jewish Federation Board.

Tom graduated with distinction with a Masters in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and a BS in Management from the AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.  He is also a graduate of the ACA’s Camp Director Institute.

Camp Judaea is an independent not-for-profit organization creating extraordinary residential camp experiences for boys and girls ages 7-16. Camp Judaea emphasizes contemporary Zionist education and individual growth through fun and adventure, positive human connections, community building, environmental sustainability, and traditional Jewish values. The camp is on a 118-acre campus in beautiful Hendersonville, North Carolina.