CLAL Faculty 

Donna Rosenthal is the Executive Vice Chairman of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. As the chief executive, she administers all of the operations for this nationally recognized leadership-training institute, think tank, and resource center.

Prior to joining CLAL, Ms. Rosenthal was the first Executive Director of the National Down Syndrome Society, recognized for its work in research, public education and services for people with developmental challenges. She came to the Society after a decade of work at United Neighborhood Houses of New York, the federation of settlement houses, where she was the Assistant Director, establishing employment, home care, and outreach programs which have been replicated nationwide. She began her career in the field of aging and was a program officer at the New York State Office for the Aging in its formative years, initiating programs in the legal services for the aging and helping to write the legislation for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Ms. Rosenthal has also worked extensively as a community volunteer. Past leadership positions include: President of Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, Brooklyn; President of Executive Women in Human Services; President of the Alumni Association of the Columbia University School of Social Work, and Co-chair of the Centennial Celebration of the School. Currently, she is Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the School of Social Work. Ms. Rosenthal is also President of the Alumni Federation of Columbia University, and a recipient of the University’s Alumni Medal.

Ms. Rosenthal created the volunteer program, Project Child, which was designated the 149th Point of Light by President George Bush (No. 41). She is co-editor of the book, Down Syndrome: Living and Learning in the Community, and served as consultant to the television show, Life Goes On.

Ms. Rosenthal received her B.A. from The George Washington University and her M.S. from Columbia University School of Social Work, where she was awarded a scholarship from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Email: drosenthal@clal.org