DIRECTOR, RABBI ARI BALLABAN

Judaism has always been central to Rabbi Ballaban’s identity. Both of his parents are rabbis; thus, during his formative years, his family life consistently had a strong Jewish character. While growing up, he attended Jewish day school, participated in Jewish youth groups, and went to Jewish summer camps. 

Eventually, that upbringing paid off: Rabbi Ballaban was ordained by Cincinnati's Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in May of 2015. Soon afterward, he began serving as Rabbi-Educator at Dayton's Temple Beth Or, where he was later named Assistant Rabbi. In 2018, he was appointed the director of Dayton's Jewish Community Relations Council, where his work focused on strengthening connections between the Jewish community and other religious and cultural groups. In mid-2019, he began working as a representative of HUC’s Office of Recruitment and Admissions for the Midwest region. At present, Rabbi Ballaban is the director of the Cincinnati Jewish Community Relations Council. He considers the position a profound responsibility and honor, and he "loves the way it puts Jewish values into action to improve the world." 

In his spare time, Rabbi Ballaban works on his PhD dissertation, on the intersection of humor and Jewish masculinity in Late Antiquity. He has taught courses on Judaism, Jewish texts, and Jewish history at the University of Dayton, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Southern California, and HUC-JIR. He lives in Cincinnati with his fiancée Hara and their two cats, near to many other family members who are lifelong Cincinnatians. 

PRESIDENT, MARK BARSMAN

Mark Barsman held several leadership roles throughout his 38-year career with General Electric before retiring in 2019. In addition to his involvement with JCRC, Mark has been actively involved as a board member at Adath Israel Congregation and the Jewish National Fund, in addition to volunteer work with GE's philanthropic organization, Elfun Society. He and his wife Marsha, who is also heavily involved in volunteer work, are thoroughly enjoying what they consider their most enjoyable role in retirement as grandparents to six grandchildren.

View our Governance Structure

JCRC Executive Committee

JCRC BOARD MEMBERS

* Ex-officio Member

** Presidential Appointee