Central Reform Congregation has named Terri Grossman as its next executive director. A passionate and collaborative leader with a long record of accomplishment in the St. Louis Jewish community, Grossman will step into the role on July 14, succeeding Sarah Kirschner, who has served as interim executive director since January 2024.
As executive director, Grossman will oversee CRC’s non-rabbinical operations, including programming, facilities, finance, philanthropy, technology, early childhood education and communications.
“I am thrilled and honored,” Grossman said in accepting her appointment. “CRC is such an exciting and important part of the fabric of the St. Louis Jewish community. To be trusted with a leadership position there is for me literally a dream come true.”
CRC Board President Paul Wagman said Grossman is the right fit at the right time.
“Terri is an ideal choice to help CRC build on our growth momentum and serve our community in these challenging times,” said Wagman. “She is well known in our community as a selfless leader who empowers her staff while also providing clear direction. She combines a burning dedication to her work with a calm and deliberate manner. She is a superb communicator with an ability to simultaneously confront issues and minimize conflict. And she ‘gets us’ – she is a perfect cultural fit with our congregation. We feel tremendously fortunate to have landed her.”
Grossman most recently served as chief program officer at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, where she oversaw early childhood education, day camps, sports and recreation and Camp Sabra. Before that, she was executive director and director of major gifts at Camp Sabra, after 14 years as its director.
A native of St. Louis, Grossman earned her bachelor of social work from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and her master of social work from Washington University.
The search, launched in late February, attracted more than 30 applicants. It was facilitated by Collaborative Strategies (CSI) and CRC’s search committee.
Kirschner, who came out of retirement to serve as interim executive director, initially planned to stay six months—but remained for 18. Her impact has been lasting.
Under Kirschner’s leadership, CRC improved HR policies, restructured staff roles, boosted performance and morale, and positioned the organization for future success.
“We all owe Sarah a huge debt of gratitude,” Wagman said. “She has pulled off quite a feat – creating the kind of operation we can feel very good about turning over to an outstanding successor like Terri.”
