Dear Cohen Camps families, alumni, staff, and friends,
I’m writing with deep appreciation to share some big news: this fall, after 21 years of leadership, Jonathan Cohen will step down as President and CEO of the Cohen Camps. The good news? He’s not going far. Jonathan will remain on our Board of Directors, continuing to offer his insight, experience, and deep commitment to the mission he has lived and led.
Starting October 1, Executive Director Ben Portnoy will step into the top leadership role. He’ll continue as Executive Director, now guiding our organization into the future.
Jonathan’s story is inseparable from the Cohen Camps. His grandparents, Eli and Bessie Cohen ז״ל, planted the first seeds of this vision. His parents, Arnold and Annebelle Cohen ז״ל, nurtured and expanded it. Jonathan has carried that legacy forward with strength, humility, and a deep love of camp. From camper to counselor to kitchen crew—and then Executive Director, COO, CFO, and CEO—he’s worn every hat with care and purpose.
Since returning in 2004 from a career in business, he’s revitalized Jewish programming, brought alumni and new voices onto the Board, and led major capital projects across all three camps. He founded the Kadima teen leadership program, expanded community connections, and helped guide our camps through the uncertainties of COVID.
Thanks to Jonathan, our camps are thriving, vibrant homes for friendship, joyful Jewish identity, and a powerful sense of belonging. He often says being a camp director isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for walking that path so fully for 21 years, and truly for a lifetime.
Jonathan shares:
“I stand on the shoulders of my grandparents and parents, and alongside my wife and son whose support means everything to me. These camps have always been a labor of love—for me, and for the many people who pour their hearts into creating a meaningful experience for every camper and staff member. I feel the responsibility every day, and the privilege.
I’m deeply grateful to our year-round team (past and present), to the hundreds of passionate summer staff, and to our parents, alumni, donors, and champions. You bring our shared mission to life, and I’ll always be thankful. I believe deeply in our mission, and I look forward to supporting it in new ways in the years ahead.”
Please join me, the Board, and our entire community in thanking Jonathan for all he has built—
and in celebrating the bright future ahead for Camps Pembroke, Tel Noar, and Tevya.
Please also join me in congratulating Jonathan, Ben, and all the counselors and staff on wrapping up another extraordinary, fun, spirited, and meaningful summer!
Special thanks to our leadership team:
Amy Coran
+ Becca Goldman,
Co-Directors,
Camp Pembroke
Aaron Gurvis,
Director,
+ Danny Fier
+ Samantha Goldenblatt,
Assistant Directors,
Camp Tel Noar
Lauren Fishman,
Director,
+ Elissa Edwards,
Assistant Director,
Camp Tevya
Mindee Greenberg,
Director,
Dor L’Dor Israel/Travel Program
Stacey Smalley,
Director,
Leadership Development
+ Kadima Teen Leadership
Barbara Stevens,
Director,
Development
חֲזַק חֲזַק וְנִתְחַזֵּק—Chazak, Chazak, V’nitchazek. From strength to strength may we be strengthened.
With appreciation and camp spirit,
Renée
Renée Goldberg, M.D.
Chair, Cohen Camps Board of Directors
Parent and Alum, Camp Tel Noar
P.S. Want to honor Jonathan?
We’re collecting personal messages to share with him.
Your gift will honor his leadership and help fuel the values he’s nurtured across generations.
Summer 2026
Enrollment opens Tuesday, September 9!
Returning Families:
Get Early Bird Priority + Tuition Discount,
September 9-16 only!
New camper placement begins September 17.
