Marking a new chapter as the Campus develops as a shared civic home for Jewish life

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the East Bay Jewish Community Campus opens its doors and moves into its next growth phase, the Campus Board is excited to announce the appointment of Robert Wise as Executive Director. This appointment marks the next chapter in the development of the Campus as a vibrant, collaborative center of Jewish life in the East Bay.

The Campus encompasses the former Dreyer's Ice Cream headquarters in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood. Anchored by the JCC East Bay, it will be home to a growing constellation of Jewish communal organizations, initiatives, and community partners.

Wise will provide dedicated leadership for the Campus, working closely with the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay (JCC East Bay), its leadership, and the organizations, initiatives, and community partners that make the Campus home.

"The Campus is entering an exciting new phase," said Steven Douglas, Chair, Campus Board. "We are building much more than a collection of buildings. We are creating a lasting community institution—a shared civic home for Jewish life in the East Bay. Robert brings the leadership, experience, and community perspective to help turn that vision into reality."

Susie Cohen Crumpler will continue to serve as CEO of the JCC East Bay, and a member of the Campus Board. She will focus her executive leadership on the JCC East Bay's growth and its transition to the Campus. Cohen Crumpler has led the Campus effort since September 2025, guiding the project through an important period of development and transition.

"Leading this effort over the past year has been an extraordinary opportunity, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished so far," said Cohen Crumpler. "Robert and I have worked closely together, and I have seen firsthand his thoughtfulness, creativity, and commitment. I am excited about his appointment and the future of the Campus."

The Campus Board and JCC East Bay leadership will continue working closely, with distinct responsibilities, with JCC leadership focusing on building a strong, thriving JCC, while Campus leadership develops the broader Campus as a community institution.

Wise will focus on advancing the Campus's long-term vision, strengthening partnerships, stewarding the property, and creating the conditions for organizations on the Campus to succeed together.

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SOURCE East Bay Jewish Community Campus