The Tucson Jewish Community Center (the J) has welcomed two new senior leaders whose professional expertise and personal connections to Jewish communal life are poised to strengthen the J’s impact across Southern Arizona. Matt McQuoid joined the organization in November as Chief Experience Officer (CXO), and Zach Glicksman recently came on board as Chief Operating Officer (COO), each bringing deep experience, complementary skill sets, and a shared commitment to community.
“We are grateful to have Matt and Zach join our team,” said Todd Rockoff, President and CEO of the Tucson J. “They bring a wealth of experience and a new perspective to our work. As we implement our new strategic plan, I look forward to working with each of them as we deepen our impact on the community.”
As Chief Experience Officer, McQuoid oversees many of the J’s most member-facing departments, including membership, aquatics, sports and recreation, racquet sports, fitness, healthy aging, and marketing. He comes to Tucson from the JCC of Central New Jersey, where he served for five years, and brings more than a decade of nonprofit experience, along with a background as a teacher and multi-sport coach.
“What excites me most is the multitude of ways I get to serve the community,” McQuoid said. “Through fitness, wellness, healthy aging, sports, and aquatics, and a focus on providing an exemplary member experience, I’m able to connect with people in so many different aspects of their lives. That’s a really special position to be in.”
McQuoid earned his bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in Sport Administration from the University of Miami. He credits his early career in education with shaping a leadership style rooted in empathy and understanding.
His coaching experience has influenced his approach as well, “Coaching taught me the importance of culture, vision, and having a game plan,” McQuoid said. “You need to know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there—and you need everyone to feel part of that journey.”
Since arriving in Tucson, McQuoid has been struck by the character of the Tucson J community. “People are active, engaged, and genuinely invested in one another,” he said. “You feel it the moment you walk in—people smiling, asking about each other’s families, caring about the wellness of the community. That energy is unique.”
Joining McQuoid on the J’s executive team is Zach Glicksman, whose role as Chief Operating Officer draws on an extensive background in behavioral health, operations, and nonprofit leadership. Glicksman began his career as a case manager working directly with individuals living with serious mental illness, an experience that grounded his professional approach in advocacy, compassion, and person-centered care.
A Tucson native, Glicksman’s connection to the Tucson J is deeply personal. “This role feels like a homecoming,” he said. “I grew up here, did Hebrew school at the J, and played basketball through Maccabi. Some of my fondest memories are from this place—feeling safe, welcomed, and part of something. I’m excited to help create those same experiences for people today.”
Glicksman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Arizona and a master’s in social work from Arizona State University; he is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Over his career, he has held senior leadership roles across clinical, operational, and system-level organizations, including serving as Director of Social Work at a Cornerstone hospital, Director of Operations for Arizona Community Physicians, and overseeing Southwest regional operations for Spectrum Healthcare Group. Most recently, he was National Director of Behavioral Health for Equality Health and co-founded One Small Step, a mental health and substance use support company focused on accessibility and early intervention.
Balancing operational efficiency with compassion is central to Glicksman’s leadership philosophy. “You have to make sure the train stays on the tracks,” he said, “but you also must remember that every member and every staff person is a unique individual. Taking the time to listen, learn what people do well, and understand what they need is essential to building a place where people feel they truly belong.”
From his entrepreneurial experience, Glicksman hopes to bring a spirit of innovation and collaboration to the J. “Even in a well-established organization, it’s important to keep evaluating, iterating, and asking what the community needs now,” he said. “Strong programs don’t stay strong unless you continue to invest in them.”
Together, McQuoid and Glicksman represent a blend of operational expertise, human-centered leadership, and genuine passion for Jewish community life. As the Tucson J moves into the year ahead and forward with its strategic plan, their leadership promises to help ensure the J remains a welcoming, vibrant, and responsive hub for generations to come.
