URJ Announces New Director for Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Indiana

October 30, 2014, New York, NY-The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) announced this week that Jeremy Klotz will be the new director of the URJ's Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) in Zionsville, Indiana. Mr. Klotz began his new role this week, and current GUCI director, Rabbi Mark Kovitz, will transition out of his role in November.

This position holds great meaning for Mr. Klotz, who grew up at GUCI as a camper and counselor. His father, Rabbi Ron Klotz, was the beloved GUCI camp director from 1975-2011. 

"I am thrilled with my appointment as the Director of Goldman Union Camp Institute," said Mr. Klotz. "It is an honor to return to lead the staff of the camp where I grew up, where I learned to love Judaism, where my dad worked for 36 years, and where I met my amazing wife."

Even while working in the legal sector for the past 13 years at law firms in private practice and as in-house counsel, Mr. Klotz always remained an active force in the camp community. In the legal sector, Klotz advised clients on risk management and employment issues, and chartered efforts for non-profit boards and fundraising. He has served as a member and chair of the GUCI Camp Committee, and credits GUCI as being instrumental in the development of his Jewish identity.

Mr. Klotz and his wife, Melissa, met as campers at GUCI nearly 25 years ago. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Zoe and Maya, both campers at GUCI.

"We are very excited to have Jeremy lead the GUCI family into the future," said URJ Director of Camp and Israel Programs Paul Reichenbach. "Jeremy has grown up at GUCI, and always maintained a high level of commitment and connection to the GUCI community. His camp and career skills will make him an outstanding camp director."

"Jeremy understands what it takes to build relationships between camp and Jewish professionals, which will ensure GUCI's long term success in the region," said Interim GUCI Camp Committee Chair Steve Derringer

For more than 50 years, GUCI has served the Midwestern region as an important hub for Jewish learning and identity-building. As one of the URJ's smaller and more intimate camps, GUCI prides itself on its ability to help guide Jewish youth in seeking inspired Jewish journeys.