YOUNGSTOWN — Denise Wolf has joined the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation as the Jewish Community Center’s executive director.

She previously was chief operating officer for the Jewish center in Tuscon, Ariz. As COO, Wolf oversaw early childhood; children, youth and camping services; health and wellness; special needs services; art and culture; and the day-to-day operations of the large agency.

Wolf said she is looking forward to meeting new people as well as creating programs for the community based on needs and interests.

Prior to Tucson, Wolf lived in Florida and was the executive director at Congregation B’nai Israel and an executive at The Bridge Center in Massachusetts, a recreational and equine center for individuals with special needs. She began her career at the North Shore JCC as the assistant aquatic director and the youth and camping services director before heading to Brandeis University to earn her master’s degree. Wolf graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and adapted physical education.

“Denise is a fantastic addition to our senior management team at the Federation,” Andrew Lipkin, Federation CEO, said.

Wolf has two sons, Jake, 20, who studies at Northern Arizona University, and Cody, 18, who is in his senior year of high school.