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31 October 2023
Washington, DC, Oct. 30, 2023 – The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has named former FBI executive Russell H. “Rusty” Rosenthal as its new Executive Director, Regional Security, beginning in November 2023. Rosenthal and his team will oversee and work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish community in Washington, DC, suburban MD, and Northern VA. This new, in-house hire enhances Federation’s local security capacity with the launch of an independent, internal base of operations, and builds upon five years of partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN).
Rosenthal most recently served as Vice President, Security, and Law Enforcement for ADL, and joins Federation with 25 years of investigative, executive leadership, and legal experience with the FBI, including in Israel, where he led the FBI office from 2019-2022.
Rosenthal has an extensive operational background in high-risk, complex environments, and has led diverse teams in investigating cyber, counterterrorism, criminal, as well as internal investigations. This expertise, coupled with his significant experience in evaluating security vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, and developing risk mitigation plans will be a tremendous asset to the Greater Washington community and Federation.
“We are proud to welcome Rusty to Federation and expand the support of our Jewish community’s security in this way,” said Gil Preuss, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. “We move forward with gratitude to SCN for their partnership in meeting Greater Washington’s security needs, and we look forward to their continued guidance and collaboration. As we address our local security, the groundwork we’ve laid with SCN paired with Rusty’s leadership will be crucial as we continue anticipating, proactively preparing for, and responding to security needs with immediacy and focus.”
In leading Federation’s security program, Rosenthal will partner closely with local Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, and JCCs, to support their security needs, enhance their emergency preparedness posture, and conduct safety and security trainings. He will also work directly with local law enforcement to ensure Jewish Greater Washington’s security needs are considered and addressed proactively and centrally across all jurisdictions.
“I look forward to working with the Greater Washington Jewish community to advance our security and safety at this critical moment,” said Rosenthal. “Federation understands that building partnerships and cooperation are key to strengthening security, and I am confident that, together, we can put Jewish Greater Washington in the best position possible to be aware, prepared, and resilient in the face of any potential threats.”
“Federation is committed to ensuring our local organizations have the support necessary to meet our diverse community’s needs – including a strong, thoughtful, and proactive approach to safety and security. Rusty’s experience ensures we can serve as their strategic communal partner in this essential work,” said Robin Hettleman Weinberg, Federation President.