Antisemitism is rising steadily, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s most recent report. Over the past 10 years reported incidents have grown to number close to 10,000, the highest since reporting began in 1979. Here in Nashville, the Jewish community has also experienced increasing antisemitism and a growing presence of White Nationalists in and around the state.
To address the growing needs for a coordinated, strategic security plan, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville in partnership with the Secure Community Network is pleased to welcome John Curatolo as the new community security director. “We are so pleased to welcome John to our community. During these challenging times, it is both comforting and exciting to have his experience and wisdom to help us navigate the landscape and create a safer, more secure environment where we can all enjoy the fullness of Jewish life,” says Judy Alperin, CEO of the Federation.
Curatolo brings more than forty years of experience in law enforcement and over thirty years in leadership roles spanning emergency management, homeland security, intelligence operations, and public safety at the local, state, and international levels.
Over the course of his career, Curatolo has held senior command positions within municipal policing, including serving as Deputy Police Chief with the Ithaca Police Department and later as second-in-command of a municipal police department, where he provided executive leadership over operations, administration, and strategic planning. While at the Ithaca Police Department, he oversaw agency administration, budgeting, grant management, emergency management planning, and the command of major critical incidents.
Curatolo previously served as a Supervisory Special Agent with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security and as Co-Director of the Tennessee Fusion Center, where he led statewide intelligence and information-sharing initiatives. In his earlier role as Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection Coordinator, he oversaw critical infrastructure protection efforts across Tennessee and collaborated closely with federal, state, and local partners to strengthen public safety.
He also served as a Regional Commander and U.S. Police Advisor in Afghanistan under the U.S. Department of State, where he managed complex operations and mentored senior Afghan police leaders in high-threat environments.
Curatolo says a career in law enforcement is his lifelong passion, beginning at age four, “Ever since I was a kid, it was just what I wanted to do.” He says his relationship with the Jewish community began several years ago when he was working with the State. “I was head of critical infrastructure in a key resource protection role, and I ended up working with people from the West End Synagogue after they had an incident there. And I just really enjoyed it. I like going around trying to help people. It’s just a perfect job.” Curatolo credits his wife with encouraging him to apply for the position.
Curatolo says he is pleased with the community’s relationship with Metro Police and believes they are the best agency to call when things happen. His career in law enforcement helps him gain perspective in his new role. “I’ve always tried to be thoughtful in the way I approach things. I was fair to people and had evidence.”
His philosophy on security is strategic, and he says requires planning and organization. “You need a comprehensive approach to everything that’s going on. And SCN is very well put together with the way they approach training for the community, threat vulnerability assessments of different facilities, the way we will share information and intelligence with our law enforcement partners and try to keep all of us engaged in watching for threats.” He also plans to work on securing grant funding to help build out the community’s facilities.
In addition to his professional service, John has several years of board governance experience. He served as a school board member and vice president, providing thoughtful oversight, collaboration, and long-term strategic perspective. John and his wife, Teri, also serve as board members of Hope & Healing at Hillenglade (HHH), a nonprofit equine therapy farm that assists veterans, service members, and first responders living with PTSD.
John and Teri have been married for forty years. Together they raised two sons have five grandchildren. Family, faith, and service are central to John’s life, and he says they continue to guide how he leads and supports others.
Funding for Curatolo’s position is provided in part by SCN and Jewish Federations of North America through the $130 million LiveSecurecampaign, the largest philanthropic effort ever undertaken to establish a comprehensive, standards-based collective security framework for Jewish communities across North America. Alperin says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance our community’s security efforts through this partnership with both organizations.”
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
