A longtime staff member of the Stroum Jewish Community Center, Marcie Wirth, is the 2012 recipient of the Pamela Waechter Jewish Communal Professional Award. This annual award is granted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle to honor outstanding local Jewish communal professionals for extraordinary contributions to the greater Seattle Jewish community.

Recipients of the award embody the qualities of Pam Waechter, such as a deep personal and professional commitment to the continuity of the Jewish people, creativity and innovation, and knowledge and dedication in the services they provide. Recipients serve as role models for other Jewish communal professionals and are active in the Jewish or general community outside of their professional role. Waechter was a victim in the shooting at the Seattle Jewish Federation in 2006.

Before starting to work at the SJCC in 1990, Wirth served as a SJCC volunteer and a member of the SJCC Board of Directors. She also was the recipient of the SJCC’s Max Kaminoff Volunteer of the Year Award. Prior to becoming the SJCC special events manager in 2000, Wirth worked in the SJCC Early Childhood School for 10 years, coordinating ECS fundraising events.

“I was absolutely speechless when I was called and told I was selected to be the recipient of the award this year, and I am so very proud and honored,” Wirth said. “I was fortunate to have known Pam for more than 25 years and I always admired her not only for her work ethics and drive, but also for her kindheartedness. Pam never hesitated to take the time to answer any questions I might have had regarding an event for which I needed some direction and guidance.”

The award includes a $1,000 stipend to be used for continuing professional development opportunities. Wirth will be formally presented with her award at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s 2012 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 21.