For Immediate Release: July 6, 2023
Media Contact: Meredith MacKenzie de Silva, jcpa@westendstrategy.com, (202) 412-4270

Rosenthal previously served on JCPA’s executive committee and succeeds David Bohm in the role; she joins new CEO Amy Spitalnick

NEW YORK — The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the national convener of Jewish coalitions working to build a just and inclusive American democracy, announced the board’s selection of Leslie Dannin Rosenthal as its next chair. She succeeds David Bohm, who played an instrumental role in moving JCPA into its new chapter focused on protecting and advancing American democracy and combating hate, discrimination, and extremism.

Leslie enters this role with ample experience in Jewish community relations, including serving on the JCPA board since 2019, most recently on the Executive Committee. Previously, she was the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey and has served on boards of the Jewish Federations of North America, Mack Ness Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, and the Jewish Community Legacy Project.

Reflecting on her selection for the role, Leslie Dannin Rosenthal, new JCPA board chair, shared, “I’m honored to be taking on the JCPA board chair at this time in our history. We are building on a long tradition of leadership, focused on encouraging democracy and combating antisemitism and bigotry of all kinds – issues that have long mattered to American Jews. I’m very excited to be working with Amy and our entire lay and professional team, supporting the Jewish community relations field, strengthening existing partnerships within and beyond the Jewish community and creating new ones.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Leslie as JCPA’s next board chair,” said Amy Spitalnick, JCPA Chief Executive Officer. “Her deep understanding of the need for innovation and strategic coalition building will be invaluable as we enter this new chapter for JCPA and work to meet this critical moment for the Jewish community and our democracy. I’m so grateful to David Bohm, who has provided crucial leadership through a transformational time for JCPA – and I know that JCPA will continue to rely on his wise counsel.”

David Bohm, outgoing JCPA board chair, added, “It has been a pleasure working with Leslie Dannin Rosenthal on the board, where I witnessed her dedication and commitment to the Jewish Council for Public Affairs along with her ability to foster meaningful dialogue and act as a unifying force. As I step down from my role, I have full confidence that Leslie’s leadership will propel JCPA to new heights and will help advance the important work of strengthening our democracy.”

###

About JCPA

The mission of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is to strengthen and leverage the Jewish community relations network across the nation to champion a just, democratic, and pluralistic society and advance the right of full inclusion of all members of our society, including Jews, free of discrimination, hate, and prejudice.

Inspired by Jewish values of human dignity and equal justice under the law and an abiding commitment to vibrant and secure Jewish communities here, in Israel, and throughout the world, JCPA convenes and catalyzes its network to work with public officials, build deep relations, and engage in advocacy coalitions based on shared goals.

Share

Next Up:

JCPA FEATURED IN PBS MINI-DOCUMENTARY “ATTACK ON DRAG”

Take Action Donate

June 2, 2025

JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick on MSNBC: The Antisemitic Attack in Boulder, CO Did Not Occur in a Vacuum

June 19, 2025

JCPA Summit 2025

June 14, 2025

JCPA Statement on Political Violence Targeting MN Elected Officials

June 13, 2025

Protected: JCPA Summit 2025 | Resources

June 10, 2025

Identity/Crisis Podcast: Hate Crimes in the Name of Resistance – with Amy Spitalnick

June 5, 2025

JTA: Trump’s new travel ban will block ‘those in need of real refuge,’ American Jewish Committee says

June 5, 2025

Civil Rights Coalition Joint Statement on Antisemitic Hate Crimes

June 5, 2025

New Travel Ban is Dangerous, Wrong, and Will Not Make American Jews Safer

June 4, 2025

USA Today: President Trump bans travel from 12 nations, partially restricts entry from seven others

June 3, 2025

ABC News: Colorado attack comes amid record incidents of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes

June 3, 2025

NYT: Denouncing Antisemitism, Trump Also Fans Its Flames