Immanuel College deputy head Barnaby Nemko will be the United Synagogue’s first director of community life, fronting its community development and programming teams in a new department working to engage members and the wider community in Jewish living and learning.

A member of the Bushey United shul, Nemko began his career as FZY education director before a stint with the London School of Jewish Studies. Moving into secondary school teaching, he has fulfilled a number of roles in Jewish and non-Jewish schools.

He is passionate about the positive impact a feeling of belonging has on well-being.
Taking up his role in September, he will be tasked with building new partnerships, strengthening the leadership pipeline and the development of strategic support for US communities.

His role was created following the respective promotions of Jo Grose and David Collins to chief executive and chief operating officer.

Nemko said he was “thrilled” to have the role. “I am excited by the positive agenda of Jo Grose and her team and I look forward to further helping our communities thrive.”

Grose sees the appointment as “critical. Barnaby is an exceptional leader with substantial management and community experience. He has built teams across the schools he has worked at through a culture of coaching and self-improvement and has managed significant projects including the educational response to Covid and the reworking of the school day. We know he will inspire our staff, members and volunteers and build lasting relationships with communal organisations.”