Denver, April 15, 2024: BaMidbar announced today that founding CEO, Jory Hanselman Mayschak, has decided to step down after eight years of leadership, effective July 1, 2024.
Emily Heeren, Jory’s right hand since joining BaMidbar in 2018, has been promoted to Chief Program Officer and will serve as interim CEO until a permanent CEO is appointed. Mayschak will support BaMidbar as a part-time advisor through October 1, 2024.
“Jory’s contributions cannot be overstated,” said Alex Fader, Chair of BaMidbar’s Board. “Jory not only reimagined how the Jewish community can, and must, support the mental health of their teens and young adults, she is also a skilled CEO. She leaves BaMidbar in a position of strength, with a strategic plan in place and a firm financial footing.”
In her announcement, Mayschak wrote, “It has been my greatest honor to lead BaMidbar and to see it transform the Jewish community’s response to youth mental health.”
“What started as a small residential wilderness therapy program for young adults under the auspices of Ramah in the Rockies is now an independent non-profit offering sophisticated mental health training opportunities for Jewish professionals and outpatient therapy for teens and young adults, ages 13-28, in Colorado and Massachusetts. We’ve proven that Jewish tradition and community can robustly support youth mental health. I’m truly proud of these accomplishments.”
Fader noted that BaMidbar’s board had succession protocols in place when Jory informed them of her decision, meaning a national CEO search can begin within weeks. “Jory has always enjoyed the full confidence of the board,” Fader said. “While she will be deeply missed, we have nothing but gratitude for her leadership, and we’re prepared for the transition.”
Mayschak bravely noted in her letter that she’s experienced multiple medically complicated pregnancy losses over the past several years, and recently turned to gestational surrogacy to build her family.
“This factored into my decision. I remain incredibly motivated as a Jewish professional,” Mayschak said, “but it’s time for me to take a step back from the role of CEO. I’m excited to share that I’ve been appointed Vice President of Operations at Sacred Spaces, starting in September. BaMidbar will benefit from a new leader’s fresh ideas and enthusiasm, and I will remain in a Jewish leadership role with a chance for new beginnings both personally and professionally.”
“We wish Jory great success,” said Fader. “She’ll be a tremendous asset to their team, and we are confident that she has positioned BaMidbar to thrive.”
See the email announcement, which includes messages from both Alex and Jory.