Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) CEO Judy Neuman announced her intention to retire after eight years of service, as she leaves “a lasting legacy” for the organization.

“We are excited for what the future will bring as the J continues to evolve,” SJCC Board of Directors President Kim Waldbaum wrote in an email.

Neuman originally said she would commit five years to the J, but stayed longer because she felt “fulfilled [and] challenged,” she stated.

The board “cannot thank her enough for her vision, leadership and tireless energy in getting the J to where it is today,” Waldbaum wrote.

During Neuman’s tenure, “the community has expanded, there has been tremendous program growth, the J has a solid financial foundation, phase one of the Capital Campaign was completed, and the J is viewed as a highly credible and important organization in the Jewish community,” she wrote.

The J began the work to engage in a national search for its next CEO, and that committee will be led by Jeremy Lott and Liz Friedman.

Neuman said that now is “the right time for me to retire and pave the way for a new leader,” as the J is “coming from a place of strength and has a solid foundation from which to build.”

“The staff is extraordinary and committed. The community continues to embrace our programs and support us philanthropically. We have come so far together and for that I am extremely grateful and filled with pride,” Neuman stated. “There are so many things I have put on hold while I have had the most amazing and interesting 35-year career. I want to get to that ‘list of dreams’ and spend more time with my family, friends and personal interests.”

The SJCC is located at 3801 E. Mercer Way on Mercer Island. For more, see www.sjcc.org.