It’s rare to come across someone in the Richmond Jewish Community who doesn’t know Lisa Looney.
Some know her as Irv and Rhona Blank’s daughter, Jon Blank’s sister, or Lev and Ari’s mom.
Others may know her from BBYO, Freeman High School, Beth-El Sunday School or JCC Preschool. Still others may have worked with Lisa or met her at the will call table at one of the many cultural arts programs at the Weinstein JCC.
No matter where the connection was made, people KNOW Lisa. And thanks to Lisa, people KNOW the Weinstein JCC.
Lisa Blank Looney is a 4th generation Richmonder whose roots connecting her to the Weinstein JCC run deep. Lisa’s parents, Irv and Rhona Blank, have been loyal members and supporters of the Weinstein JCC for years, sending both Lisa and her brother, Jon, to the Weinstein JCC preschool.
No surprise that both of Lisa’s sons, Lev (27) and Ari (23) also attended the Weinstein JCC preschool.
After graduating from American University and earning her Masters in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Corrections, Lisa moved back to Richmond and immediately started working at the American Cancer Society.
Lisa decided to leave that job and was headed for a teaching job in the Virginia Department of Corrections when there was a hiring freeze on what was supposed to be her first day of work. Luckily, she ran into friend and Weinstein JCC Board Member, Ric Arenstein, at the gas station shortly thereafter. Ric mentioned to Lisa that the JCC was looking for a Hillel Director serving VCU and University of Richmond and encouraged her to apply.
Thanks to that random meet up with Ric at the pump, Lisa began her illustrious, 30-year career at the Weinstein JCC.
Lisa served as the Hillel Director from 1994-2008. During that same timeframe, Lisa co-directed the Maccabi Games with Bob Siff, one of her favorite memories. From there, she went on to serve in other roles at the JCC including JCC Forum Director (2008-2010) and Director Donor Relations for the Cultural Arts Department (2010-2024).
In addition to the aforementioned positions, Lisa involved herself anywhere she was needed and no job was too big or too small. Lisa rolled up her sleeves and got it done. She did everything from being the Lead Staff on Comedy Nights, Adult Social events and Night at the Races Gala to managing the bar, seating charts, volunteers and flowers (always real) for big events to even running the horseback riding camp for Camp Hilbert one summer. Some of Lisa’s accomplishments include:
- Stories of Survival: A program that brought the 13 Holocaust Survivors in Richmond together with the students of University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University for dinner and tour of the Virginia Holocaust Museum
- Arranging for Holocaust Survivor, Roger Loria, to speak to a small group of Jewish med students at MCV Hillel.
- Finding some lesser known but equally impactfull speakers for the JCC Forum including Elisha Weisel, Ken Feinberg, Michael Arad and Meredith Kopit Levien.
- Working on the programs that brought Itzhak Perlman to Richmond as well as the Maccabeats with Six13.
- Going to Israel with the Weinstein JCC Staff
On May 19, at the Weinstein JCC Annual Meeting, Lisa was presented with The Barbara Wise JCC Staff Excellence Award. This award, initiated in 2023, upon retirement of our longstanding Assistant ECC Director, is presented to an exceptional staff member who exemplifies dedication to the goals and guiding principles of the Weinstein JCC, reflecting a legacy of character integrity, commitment, and years of service to the Center and community.
After 30 years of being the face of the Weinstein JCC throughout Richmond (and Virginia Beach), Lisa Looney will officially retire from the JCC on Friday, June 14.
No words can adequately express the impact Lisa has had on the individuals she’s touched, the programs she’s made perfect, and the community she loves. While Lisa is sure to still be seen in many places around town, especially involving the Jewish community, it may be rare that we will see her at the will call table at the Weinstein JCC.
Upon Lisa’s request, donations in honor of her retirement will go to support Arts + Ideas programs at the Weinstein JCC and can be made here: https://weinsteinjcc.org/lisa-looney-tribute/.
Thank you, Lisa, for your service and for making such a huge impact on the Weinstein JCC and the Richmond Jewish Community. Next stop: A Permanent Beach Vacation!
