Executive director of embattled Jewish Federation of New Mexico stepping down after months of turmoil

Santa Fe New Mexican ^ | 5/14/22 | Rick Ruggles

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The Jewish Federation of New Mexico descended into dysfunction over the past 15 months with staff departures, board member resignations, lawsuits and complaints of volatility lodged against its executive director.

Now, the organization's executive director, Rob Lennick, says he is moving on — an impending change that some say gives the Albuquerque-based federation a chance to begin anew. Whether that will happen, however, is far from clear because the problems, many say, run deep.

Documents from three lawsuits and two investigations, and interviews with people involved show some staffers have complained Lennick was intimidating and, at times, hostile. And some accuse the organization's executive committee of withholding information about his conduct from the full board while extending his contract.

Lennick's alleged actions and the executive committee's alleged protection of him are at the core of the conflict.

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Leaders and former board members of the federation acknowledge it's a time of duress. The president of the board, David Blacher of Albuquerque, recently sent an email to some involved, referring to the bylaws' section on "dissolution."

But Blacher recently said he in no way meant to suggest the organization dissolve.

"I shared only with my board of directors that they should be aware of that element of the bylaws,"

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