Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Many people in the Jewish community have asked where did Robby Etzkin, former executive director of The Roth Family JCC, go? He is in Sarasota and according to The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Etzkin has accepted a position as senior director of Camp Marci Lynn at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

The camp will open on the Federation's Larry & Mary Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life in June 2022, but Etzkin has already started and is excited about his new role.

"I am most excited about being able to create a Jewish summer camp from scratch.  Camp has always been my passion, and the chance to create an inclusive culture, start traditions, and physically design the property is absolutely amazing.  The fact that the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has now raised over $19,000,000 on the way to $25,000,000 to renovate the campus and build a camp is extremely inspiring," said Etzkin.  

In his position at The Roth Family JCC, Etzkin directly oversaw JCC departments such as sports, aquatics, fitness, membership, youth, teens, cultural arts, young adults, marketing and maintenance. He left behind a staff that he is proud to have supervised of at the Roth JCC.

"I'm extremely proud of our accomplishments and national awards we won in summer camp programming at Camp J, and the various marketing awards too, thanks to Amy Schwartz Kimlat. Even more than the staff accomplishments, are the successes of our teen leaders and former camp staff who have gone on to lead in their college communities and their professions."     

Etzkin is a sought-after mentor in both the Jewish camp and JCC Maccabi worlds and looks forward to bringing his experience to Sarasota-Manatee.

"I cannot think of a job that could be a better fit for me, combining all of my passions, experience and education," Etzkin said. "I have much respect and admiration for the high-quality programs and services the federation already provides. I look forward to leading the way in adding yet another important program and creating a five-star camp that fulfills the Federation's mission."