J Los Angeles (JLA) Announces David Siegel as CEO to Usher in a New Era of Growth, Connectivity, and Community Impact

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Los Angeles, CA — April 2, 2025 — As J Los Angeles (JLA) celebrates its 70th anniversary, the Jewish community center announces the appointment of Exceptional Minds’ David Siegel as its new CEO, a leader whose experience in nonprofit and global media will drive the organization’s impactful next chapter. 

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“David is an inspired choice to lead JLA at this critical moment,” said Tony Regenstreif, Board President. “His passion and expertise are reflected in his track record of transforming organizations. We’ve built something extraordinary at the J, and with David at the helm, we will propel it into the future.” 

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With a background in the entertainment industry and philanthropy, Siegel has forged a career at the intersection of storytelling, strategic growth, and mission-driven stewardship. He is the immediate past CEO of Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit academy and production studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in media and entertainment. The organization was recognized as Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2023 Midsize Nonprofit of the Year.  

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During his tenure as CEO, Siegel significantly elevated Exceptional Minds’ impact, increased academy enrollment by 20%, graduate job placement by 50%, and doubled the operating budget. Under his leadership, the organization brokered partnerships with media and tech powerhouses including Apple, Dell, Disney, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. Discovery. These alliances paved the way for an inclusive workforce and transformed entertainment industry hiring practices. 

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Named one of Variety’s 100 Champions for Change in the 2022 Inclusion Impact Report, Siegel has excelled at advancing diversity and innovation. Prior to Exceptional Minds, he spent nearly a decade at Disney, leading marketing for Disneytoon Studios, and has held key roles in talent representation, production, and business strategy. His career spans roles for top-tier universities, media, animation, and technology companies. 

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Siegel also has cultivated deep roots in Jewish philanthropy. He and his then six-year-old son, Dylan, launched a multifaceted global philanthropic movement, “Chocolate Bar,” which raised over $1.5 million to combat a rare Jewish genetic disease, driving medical advancements that have changed lives worldwide. Now, he brings that same passion for community activation to JLA’s evolving future. 

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"Los Angeles is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse Jewish communities in the world," said Siegel. "We have a unique opportunity to strengthen that community by creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate culture, and engage in lifelong learning. I am deeply honored and energized to lead JLA and to do this work in collaboration with our dedicated team, board, and the broader community. Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place to shape a dynamic, welcoming, and forward-thinking hub for Jewish life.” 

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For seven decades, JLA has served as the heart of Jewish life in Los Angeles, fostering enduring connections through several empowering initiatives: 

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• Early childhood education is a cornerstone, and JLA is embarking on a state-of-the-art expansion, ensuring the JLA Early Childhood Center will continue as a premier provider in the city.

• Infant care program, The Hive, has a waitlist reflecting the demand for high-quality, community-centered childcare for the youngest community members. 

• JLA’s JCamp welcomes nearly 400 children each year and is proud to be the only Jewish day camp in Los Angeles accredited by the American Camping Association. 

• The JLA Maccabi Games delegation is the largest in the country, bringing more than 2000 Jewish teen athletes to compete on the national stage since 2006. 

• Deepening connections to Israel through partnerships with the Jewish Agency for Israel, Diller Teen Fellows, and a range of cultural and educational programs. 

• At the Weinberg Aquatics Center, run in partnership with four-time Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg’s SwimRight Academy, more than 10,000 swim lessons are conducted each month.  

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As JLA embarks on its next chapter, Siegel’s leadership will focus on expanding these foundational pillars to ensure Jewish life in Los Angeles is not only sustained, but re-invigorated.  

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“In a fast-moving world, JLA will help our community navigate change while staying rooted in tradition,” Siegel continued. “We are committed to ensuring that every individual finds a place to feel connected, safe, and able to contribute to a thriving future. We will be a beacon of light at the heart of this city—one that people may not yet realize they need but soon won’t be able to imagine living without.” 

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About J Los Angeles  

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J Los Angeles (JLA) has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Los Angeles since 1954, originally founded as Westside Jewish Community Center to serve the city’s evolving Jewish population. Over the decades, JLA has grown into a dynamic hub for Jewish connection, education, and engagement, welcoming a diverse community from across Los Angeles—well beyond the intersection of Olympic and Fairfax, where its 100,000-square-foot campus is located. The campus is shared with Westside Jewish Center Apartments, an affordable housing complex. In 2023, JLA rebranded to reflect its modern vision and commitment to shaping the Jewish future in Los Angeles. J Los Angeles is a proud affiliate of the JCC Association of North America. For more information, visit thejla.org or follow J Los Angeles on social media. 

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For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: 

Dan Saltzman, Marketing & Communications Manager, J Los Angeles  

dsaltzman@thejla.org