5/28/26
Malashock Award for Professional Excellence
The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce Mark Martin as this year’s recipient of the Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence. This award is presented annually to a professional in the Omaha Jewish community who has demonstrated exemplary performance in advancing the mission of their organization. The honoree is selected by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors.
During his 13 years as Executive Director of the Staenberg Omaha JCC, Mark has made a profound and lasting impact on the community. From his volunteer service to his professional leadership, Mark has consistently dedicated himself to strengthening, supporting, and advancing Jewish life in Omaha.
“Community means everything to me,” Mark said. “I knew taking on the role of Executive Director would be a tremendous responsibility, but also a great opportunity to give back. The Omaha Jewish community is so unique. It is close-knit and caring. By accepting this role, I knew I could help sustain our community while also growing it for the future.”
When asked about his first memories of the JCC, Mark mentions his parents.
“My parents led by example. From a young age they taught me the importance of being involved and giving back. Whether it was through their synagogue, the Federation, or JCC, they prioritized taking an active role in the community,” he said.
Mark’s parents sent him to JCC day camp and Esther K. Newman Camp, both fond memories for him. In his teen years Mark was very active in BBYO – a proud member of AZA. He went to college at the University of Texas – Austin where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu before returning to Omaha to work with his family at the Micklin Lumber Company. Factoring in his part-time employment as a teenager, Mark worked at Micklin Lumber for over 40 years. He left the company in 2013.
Mark has always made time to volunteer. In the 1980s, he served on the Cultural Arts and Film Committee. He was a JFO campaign solicitor for 20+ years and served as a committee chair each time the JCC Maccabi Games® were held in Omaha. Mark served on the Building and Grounds committee for 11 years, including the role of Chairman. He’s been a member of the JCC budget committee, an Executive Committee member on the JCC Board of Directors, and a member of JFO Board of Directors. He is also a two-time JCC Volunteer of the Year Award winner and was named Omaha Public Schools Volunteer of the Year.
In 2013 Mark accepted the role of Executive Director at the Staenberg Omaha JCC. Since that time, he has navigated the launch of a new website, a global pandemic, major renovations and additions to the facility, the implementation of a new CRM system, the launch of the Omaha JCC app, improved email communications, and led 100th anniversary celebrations for both BBYO and the JCC.
The growth over the past 13 years has been undeniable. Even during the pandemic, the J saw growth, gaining more new members than any JCC in the country. The organizational chart has grown from six departments to ten, with numerous programs seeing a steady increase in registration. Collaborations with outside organizations have helped the J broaden its reach, gaining meaningful exposure to diverse communities throughout Omaha. The J has also evolved into a “destination” community center, with 29% of its members traveling from beyond a five-mile radius to use the facilities and participate in programs.
Mark’s proficiency has also assisted the Pennie Z. Davis Early Learning Center in obtaining full National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for the past ten years, an achievement only 10% of pre-schools attain. The JCC Summer Camp program has also obtained prestigious American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation for the past several years. Mark is particularly proud of these accomplishments because he knows they will make a substantive impact on future generations.
“My favorite part of this job is seeing kids grow up; to watch them learn and grow through all stages of their life. I take great pride in knowing that their time spent at the JCC is helping prepare them for the future,” he said.
Steve Zalkin, Board Chair of the Staenberg Omaha Jewish Community Center Advisory Board, credits much of the organization’s success to Mark’s leadership and commitment.
“One of Mark’s most significant achievements has been growing membership to better support the mission-based agencies of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. When Mark assumed leadership, the JCC had approximately 1,700 paying members. Today, that number has grown to 3,500. Mark has welcomed a diverse audience into Jewish spaces and has modeled inclusivity and outreach. His work has reinforced that JCC professionals must not only serve their immediate constituencies, but also strengthen their connections throughout the wider community,” Zalkin said. “Through both volunteer and professional roles, Mark has modeled what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and purpose. He has shown that Jewish communal work can be both mission-driven and fiscally responsible.”
Bob Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, agrees. “This award reflects Mark’s consistent leadership and deep commitment to the Staenberg Omaha JCC. He brings both thoughtfulness and strategic focus to his role, ensuring the JCC remains welcoming, forward‑thinking, and responsive to the needs of our community,” he said.
On any given day, the JCC is thriving with activity. Ron Feldman, Chair of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board, credits this to Mark’s leadership.
“Mark has guided the JCC to record levels in all areas. Summer camp programs sell out quickly with a record number of campers. The men’s health club has a waiting list; the woman’s health club is at 100% capacity; overall membership is close to record highs. Though the JCC’s business model is different than any of the other agencies, Mark continues to be a positive role model for other Agency Directors. They look to him for guidance and direction,” Feldman said.
Mark is adamant that all of the accomplishments would not have been possible without his family, friends, staff members, and community members.“There are many people I need to thank,” Mark said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my family: Julie, David, Lindsey, Daniel and Rachel. There have been many late nights, many weekend hours, and holiday hours worked. Through it all my family has been supportive and understanding. I’m also deeply grateful to Michael Staenberg, Tom Fellman, and Howard Kooper (of blessed memory) for entrusting me to lead the JCC through its renovation. I’m thankful to all of the past and present members of JFO leadership, Board Presidents, professional leaders, lay leaders, volunteers, and staff. None of this would have been possible without them. It truly takes a community, and I am honored to serve on their behalf,” Mark said. “Together we really can accomplish great things.”
Please join us in honoring Mark on Thursday, June 4 at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Awards Night & Annual Meeting. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dessert reception. Those attending are asked to RSVP in advance at www.jewishomaha.org.
