Baltimore Hebrew Congregation members came together to say goodbye to longtime executive director Jo Ann Windman on April 25 during their annual meeting, celebrating the nearly four decades of service Windman has given the congregation.
Serving as executive director of the large congregation since 2005, Windman has become a pillar of the BHC community for two decades, working tirelessly to meet the various needs of congregants and keep the building in top condition.
“I gave it every effort. People knew that they could reach out to me for whatever they needed. [There was an] open-door policy available anytime, as long as it wasn’t in the middle of the night,” Windman said.
And as her retirement from full-time work approaches, Windman is helping with the transition process, working until June 30 as the senior advisor to new executive director Scott Katz, who took over the role on March 1.
Retirement isn’t the end of Windman’s time at BHC, as she’ll be moving to a part-time role running the cemeteries at the congregation. Members relayed that Windman keeps a sharp attention to detail and a mental cache of knowledge about congregants and the synagogue.
“One of my favorite things was to get to know the members of the congregation and to make them feel welcome and comfortable in our community. And I was successful with that. One of the small things that I did, and I continue to do, is I send weekly birthday and anniversary greetings. Every Sunday, I print out a list for the week and I send them greetings, and it’s amazing how that little touch makes a difference in somebody’s life,” Windman said.
Jillian Manko, BHC’s director of engagement, said that Windman is almost part of the building with how familiar her face is to everyone walking through the doors. But Windman isn’t known for being a loud, outspoken voice. She made her mark as a listener, hearing people’s stories and working towards solutions to problems together.
“Jo Ann has been part of so many people’s lives through the good and the bad. Every person who has some sort of story, Jo Ann knows it and has been part of helping bring the solution in some way. Whether anyone knows about it or not, she’s a quiet helper,” Manko said.
Windman said that the two things she looked back on most fondly were her work helping people through financial troubles, especially during the pandemic, and assisting families through loss.
Given her years of dedication, synagogue leadership wanted to make sure that Windman was recognized by the community. Windman had already announced in 2020 that the five-year contract she had signed would be her last, giving the congregation time to prepare.
“We all just wanted to show up for Jo Ann and make it perfect for her. She’s not the kind of person that needs a garish affair, but we just wanted to honor her. She would have been fine if five people were there just to celebrate her. And I think she couldn’t imagine how many people wanted to come and be there for her,” Manko said.
Over 300 people showed up and honored Windman, who received a plaque on a chair in the main sanctuary that reads, “There is always a seat for you here.”
During the event, Windman gave her first-ever public speech to the congregation. And despite her dislike of public speaking, she said it went smoothly because it was in the presence of friends.
Along with serving as cemetery coordinator, Windman said she’s looking forward to using her newfound free time to travel, spend more time with family and friends and take better care of herself. Windman is leaving behind big shoes to fill for Katz and others, who will look to continue the care and kindness she brought to the job.
“We were not looking for another Jo Ann, because we wouldn’t find one. We found an incredible executive director [in] Scott Katz, and they’ve been working beautifully together. [Katz’s and Windman’s] values align, and she trusts that he’s going to carry on all her hard work, and she knows that we’re as a congregation ready for her to retire and get some time to herself and her family,” Manko said.
As she leaves, Windman feels grateful.
“It’s been a good run for me. It’s been my honor to be part of a historic congregation, and I’ve been blessed to work with wonderful clergy over the years. It makes a difference,” Windman said.
