We are delighted to cast a spotlight today on Mark Hayman, the new Executive Director at Temple Beth Zion (TBZ). Born and raised in North Buffalo and a third-generation TBZ member, Mark returns to the community after a long career in the music world, most recently serving as Executive Director of Meadowmount School of Music on Lake Champlain and previously as Executive Director of Young Concert Artists in New York City.

After attending Calasanctius and then Wesleyan University where he double-majored in music and Russian/Soviet Studies and spent summers working and studying piano at Chautauqua, Mark built a career leading non-profit organizations in the music world.  At Young Concert Artists for 30 years, Mark managed programming, artist management, strategic planning, development and donor relations, while overseeing a staff of 15. At Meadowmount, he directed all activities of the residential summer music school for 200 students including recruitment, enrollment, faculty and staff, programs, alumni development, and financial and facilities management.  Living in Italy for a time in the 2000’s, Mark served as Artistic Director of Salvi Harps and Founding Executive Director of the Cartagena International Music Festival.

Mark joined the TBZ staff earlier this month. “We are very excited to welcome Mark back to TBZ and Buffalo,” said Ken Polk, TBZ President.  “He brings warmth, a love of community and so many skills to this new role.” Mark is excited to be a part of TBZ’s and Buffalo’s renaissance and is very happy to have returned home. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to Buffalo and to my Jewish identity, and with my background running non-profits, this seemed like a natural fit,” Mark said. Robin Ostrov, chair of the Personnel Committee and head of the search agreed: “We were very fortunate to find a candidate like Mark. With years of nonprofit leadership experience, combined with a connection to TBZ and a desire to return to Buffalo, we could not have found another more suitable hire.”

An architecture and history buff, and an avid traveler to more than 100 countries, Mark and his husband Mark Penny reside in Kenmore, where they’ve had a house for 20 years.  They love to cook, entertain, search for treasures at flea markets, and explore the hidden corners of Western New York.   Mark’s parents were Barbara and David Hayman (z’’l), and his grandparents were Betty & Leon Hayman (z’’l) and Ann & Henry Amram (z’’l).

You can reach Mark at mark@tbz.org.