A change in board leadership at the Jewish Community Center will come a year earlier than expected. Michael H. Staenberg, who has led the JCC’s board of directors since 2006, said Monday he will step down as chairman in June, but will continue to serve as a board member. He also said he remains committed to the completion of the J’s capital campaign.

“Make no mistake about it, I am not abandoning the J,” said Staenberg, whose unprecedented third consecutive term as JCC chairman had been scheduled to expire in the spring of 2012.

“The timing is just right for both me and the J to have someone new to step in and assume the reins,” he added. “But I plan to be around to help whomever that is transition into the role and I certainly want to concentrate on finishing our capital campaign.”

To that end, the J’s capital campaign has raised about $45 million thus far. Staenberg said another $7 to $10 million is needed for completion.

Lynn Wittels, the J’s president and CEO, said that while the J would miss Staenberg’s leadership, there are a number of people within the organization who are ready to assume bigger, more important roles.

“Michael recognizes that and feels good about where he has been able to take the J. He wants what’s best for it,” said Wittels. “He will work on fundraising and some of the more major issues we face but he knows that his role should evolve and that it’s time to turn the reins over to new leadership who can take the J to the next level.”

The board’s nominating committee, headed by former board chairman Todd Siwak, will select a candidate to succeed Staenberg in time to meet the June timetable, Wittels added.

Staenberg became board chairman at a time when the J had just adopted a new strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the organization, which was then struggling with chronic financial weakness and dwindling morale. He provided leadership funding for the Staenberg Family Complex, which links a new Fitness & Wellness Building center with a renovated Arts & Education Building in a co-joined structure on the I.E. Millstone Campus in Creve Coeur. As chairman of the J’s building committee, Staenberg, who is president of the development firm THF Realty, oversaw the construction of the new complex – donating thousands of hours while serving, essentially, as project manager.

Since the opening of the Staenberg Family Complex Fitness & Wellness Building in May of 2009, membership has increased nearly 70 percent, according to Wittels. For the first time in a decade, the organization posted an operating surplus last year.

Staenberg said there are some terrific candidates who can help the J to grow its programming, to improve communications, and to provide a more engaging experience for all its members.

“There are lots of people who can provide that kind of leadership better than I can. And there are other charities in the Jewish community I would like to get involved in,” he said, adding, “With all we have accomplished thus far at the J, I feel as if I won my third Super Bowl. I want someone else to have that kind of experience and I want to do what I can to help groom that person.

“In order to keep moving forward it’s good to have another generation in there, taking the leadership role. ” (The late) I.E. Millstone once told me, ‘You’ll know when it’s time to leave.’ He was right – it’s time.”