The ACLU of New Jersey has announced the election of Donna Leonard to its Board of Trustees. Leonard brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, joining the board at a pivotal time as the organization seeks to address challenges posed by the Trump administration.
"Donna brings deep knowledge in equity-centered fundraising, and I’m thrilled for her to join our Board of Trustees," stated Amol Sinha, Executive Director of ACLU-NJ. "Her expertise in innovative development strategies, organizational growth, and nonprofit governance will help ensure the ACLU of New Jersey is ready to build a better future for all."
Leonard currently holds the position of Vice President of Major Gifts at UNICEF USA, where she manages a team responsible for raising over $60 million annually to support UNICEF's global initiatives.
“Joining the ACLU of New Jersey Board of Trustees is deeply personal for me,” said Leonard. “At a time when our rights are under attack – in classrooms, courtrooms, and communities – I am more committed than ever to protecting and advancing civil liberties for all. The ACLU-NJ is on the front lines of this fight, from safeguarding voting rights and our democracy to expanding reproductive freedom, and so much more. I’m proud to lend my voice and labor to this work because silence is not an option and justice simply cannot wait.”
Leonard previously led the creation of the ACLU’s Nationwide Development Resources team, focusing on donor strategy coordination and major gifts resources across national and state offices. Her past roles include working with Human Rights Watch in various capacities related to fundraising.
“Donna has dedicated her career to bolstering development programs across the nonprofit sector, and the ACLU-NJ Board of Trustees is grateful for her invaluable expertise,” commented Marc Beebe, President of the ACLU-NJ Board of Trustees. “She also brings strong knowledge about current issues impacting civil liberties from her time at the ACLU, and I know her expertise will help amplify our work to protect and expand the rights of all New Jerseyans."
As part of her role on the board, Leonard will contribute to advancing individual rights guaranteed by state and federal constitutions through courts, legislature, and community engagement.
