“I fell into it by accident,” Ken Light says of his 42-year career in Jewish community centers. “I fell into this career. I had no idea I’d be doing this job for so long. But I’ve enjoyed going to work every day, enjoyed the challenges.”
Now after 27 years as CEO of the Tucson JCC, Ken has retired.
“I’ve had great people around me … staff, volunteers, board members …” Ken says. “We’ve worked remarkably well together to better the Jewish community.”
Ken has been vitally instrumental in developing the Tucson facility, its programming and its relationship with the larger Tucson community.
It began in tiny Gunnison, CO, where Ken was raised. His was the only Jewish family in town, his father the only doctor. To attend a synagogue or participate in Jewish activities, the family had to drive 200 miles to Denver. Consequently, Ken’s mother taught him and his siblings their Judaism.
As he grew, Ken considered becoming a doctor. However, as a high school wrestling champion, Ken won a wrestling scholarship to the University of Colorado. There he discovered the possibilities of combining physiology, wellness and athletics. “At that time, they didn’t offer degrees in sports and wellness, so I pursued recreation,” Ken remembers. After completing his bachelor’s degree in recreation administration at CU, he earned his MBA from the University of Denver. In 1969 he married Marcia Silberman, who he calls “the most wonderful woman in the world.”Their first child was born in 1970, the same year Ken was hired by the JCC in St. Paul, MN, to work in health and fitness. In 1976 the Light family moved to Denver, where Ken began as sports director for the Denver JCC; in time he became assistant director. Ten years later he was offered the position of CEO at the Tucson JCC, and the family relocated to Arizona.
“I found the warmth of the Tucson Jewish community exceeded my expectations. It’s very tight knit, involved and supportive. Even though they’re spread out geographically, Tucson’s Jews remain one community.”
When Ken began as CEO, he discovered he’d have to raise money to build the JCC facility. “Some money had already been raised, enough to get started,” Ken recalls. The building opened in 1989, but it took about 15 more years to secure all the funds. Proudly, he proclaims, “Our JCC is a very haimish place, not an intimidating or imposing edifice.” When asked how the Jewish community has changed, Ken replies, “It’s larger, but not much. There’s a new generation of leaders, differing priorities and more mobility among our residents. Intermarriage and inclusiveness are more prevalent and accepted.”
Also, Ken adds, where the Holocaust, Jewish survival and ties to Israel once sustained continuity, now the emphasis is more on Jewish life enrichment. Today, Ken feels, donors contribute for rograms that meet specific interests and needs. “They want to ‘follow their dollars’ more than in the past.”
Currently, Ken serves as capital campaign consultant to raise funds for the renovation of the building, to resolve construction issues and to expand programming. In his spare time, Ken loves to hike, bicycle, and play golf and racquetball. But most of all, he loves to spend time with his family. “We have three great kids (Kim, Rebecca and Brandon), plus four terrific grandkids (Eliana, 15, Jaden, 12, Mason, 4, Jacob, 2) … and another on the way,” he boasts.
What a wonderful life to have fallen into!
Lighting the J's Way:
On Oct. 12 the Tucson Jewish Community Center will honor Ken Light and his 27 years of service as CEO at “Lighting the J’s Way” in the ballroom of the JCC. The evening will highlight nearly three decades of accomplishments, milestones and memories. Ken moved to Tucson in 1986 to help open the current JCC, located at River and Dodge. Ken’s tenure as CEO officially ended in June. He now serves as the Capital Campaign Consultant for the JCC’s planned expansion and renovation of its 100,000-square-foot facility. He says of the efforts, “This much-needed campaign will yield immeasurable dividends for our community and have direct impact on generations to come.” For additional information or to RSVP, contact the Tucson JCC at info@tucsonjcc.org or 520-299-3000.
