Get to Know: Todd Rockoff

When Todd Rockoff was young, there were only three places you could find him. If he wasn’t at school or playing a sport, he was at the Jewish Community Center (JCC).

“My parents knew just where to look for me. I was at the JCC playing basketball, in youth group, or at camp,” Rockoff said.

Rockoff grew up in the Jewish Community Center of Rochester, New York. Today, he is the Executive Director of the

Nearly 40 percent of the Center’s almost 6,000 members are residents of Fairlawn and Bath.  (For full disclosure, my second job is working as a JCC lifeguard.)  

After working at two other JCCs in the United States and Canada, Rockoff made Akron his home in 2001. He said he treasures his job.

 “I get here early and I stay here late because I just love it,” Rockoff said. “It sounds hokey, but there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t look forward to coming in.”

Known for his friendliness among JCC staff and members, Rockoff is often seen in every area of the building and grounds, talking to each person he sees.

“Todd always comes to say hi to the campers,” said Elizabeth Tackett, a counselor. “And he gives us ideas for games to play with them.”

Camp is not the only area where Rockoff steps out of his role as an executive.

“Sometimes I see him working concessions at the snack bar,” said member Elsie Lutz. “I asked him if he’s been promoted or demoted. He said neither.”

While most people dread the heat, Rockoff said he looks forward to the days when the extreme weather brings scores of members to the pool because it brings out the Center’s community feel.

The JCC of Akron has a surprising component to its membership: more than 80 percent of members do not practice the Jewish faith. 

Rockoff sees this as more of blessing than a challenge.

“While certainly our programming is based on Jewish values, it is open to everyone,” he said. “So our members are really a reflection of our community. Coming here is like coming to a neighborhood.”

This religious diversity, along with the many ages, races and backgrounds of the members, is a large part of what Rockoff loves about the Community Center.

“Everyone can come here and be a family. To me, that shows that as a society, there is a lot more that unites us than divides us.”

Rockoff plans to continue work at the Shaw JCC of Akron for as long as possible.

“Akron is home,” he said. “I love it here and my family is here, so this is where I’ll be.”