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In his new role as head of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville, Michael Feinstein said he looks forward to helping the center meet the needs of a modern Jewish community by providing more opportunities to create connections and touch people's lives.

"In the last three years, the center has made incredible strides financially, in reaching out to the community and developing its board leadership," he said. "I look forward to building on that success and leading the effort to meet our community's needs in new ways."

Feinstein, who has served as chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Center since April 2006, replaced Toni C. Goodman as the JCC's chief executive officer last week.

Goodman, a 65-year-old Potomac resident, retired from the position after 36 years. She started in 1972 as a nursery school teacher before rising to the position of chief executive officer in January 2006.

"I feel that I have just finished the most fabulous 36 chapters of a book and now I'm ready to open a one," Goodman said, adding she looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.

She said she has worked closely with Feinstein and is confident in his ability to lead the JCC.

"He has a great business head, but a social worker's heart and a passion for the agency," Goodman said. "That's a great confluence."

Feinstein, a 50-year-old Rockville resident, has more than 25 years of experience as both a consultant and leader of businesses and nonprofit organizations. He said he has owned and managed businesses in the manufacturing, service and technology industries, and has held professional and lay leadership roles in community and nonprofit organizations.

"I am thrilled to accept the position of CEO, and I look forward to continuing to work with the JCC's dedicated board and staff to carry out our vital mission," Feinstein said.

Feinstein said he will miss Goodman, but wishes her well.

"In the two and a half years I've been here, we've really bonded and been able to face some of the challenges the JCC has gone through," he said.

Feinstein said he plans to convene a series of open, town hall-style meetings for JCC members, the community and stakeholders in an effort to gather and discuss the future of the Jewish Community Center. He hopes to hold the first meeting this month.