Camp JORI announces new director

Deborah SalingerThe board of Camp JORI, a nonprofit residential children’s summer camp dedicated to providing high-quality programming to every child who wants a Jewish camping experience regardless of ability to pay, announces the selection of Deborah Salinger as its new director.  Salinger will fill the vacancy created by Ronni Saltzman Guttin’s departure in October after 20 years.  The selection was made after a national search and selection process that attracted more than 30 applicants. Salinger had previously served as president of the board for the organization.

“We are delighted to announce this appointment,” reported Robert Stolzman, Camp JORI acting board co-chair and immediate past chair.  “Deb brings to Camp JORI administrative experience, leadership, creativity and a deep understanding and passion for our mission, our families and our camp.  She has articulated a clear and persuasive vision for advancing JORI in enrollment, programming, facilities and mission fulfillment so we can secure a stronger future for our next generation.”

Salinger’s resume includes more than 30 years of finance and administration, program planning, customer service and Jewish communal leadership and education. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in religion and political science from Colgate University.  She had served as board president of Camp JORI for two years and as camping committee chair for the preceding six years. She also continues to serve on the board of Temple Beth-El in Providence where she has served in many leadership positions and was a teacher in the religious school. Professionally, Salinger has worked in residential mortgage financing and as a business strategy consultant.

“I look forward to building on Camp JORI’s success with a range of  innovative programming for our campers and counselors and through collaboration with other nonprofits, universities, foundations and corporations,” said Salinger.  “I am dedicated to this work because a fun and safe Jewish camping experience makes a powerful impact in the lives of children and provides vital human services and cultural enrichment to our community. Camp JORI plays a key role in enhancing our community’s quality of life and in engaging and developing our future leaders.”

Established in 1937 by the Jewish Children’s Home of Rhode Island, Camp JORI is located on Worden’s Pond in southern Rhode Island. The camp fosters connections across congregations, movements and organizations for nearly 400 children and their families each year.