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The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of JFK with a year-long celebration. Steven M. Rothstein, Executive Director of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, discusses the commemoration of this centennial year and reflects on the inspirational legacy of JFK in the arts, culture, and our democracy.
Steven M. Rothstein is an accomplished non-profit administrator, public servant, and entrepreneur. As President of the world-renowned Perkins School for the Blind, Rothstein led the institution through a period of significant growth. During his eleven year tenure from 2003-2014, he grew in-person and online educational services from 40,000 to 900,000 people, diversified teacher training services to all 50 states, increased academic offerings, and expanded to 30 new countries.
While there, with strong partners, staff and Board members, he completed a $136 million capital campaign, the largest in the school’s history, led the largest capital building program in 100 years, and grew annual operating revenue from $40 million to $72 million. In collaboration with the amazing team, he also started and led the Perkins online educational programs so Perkins became the largest trainer of teachers and parents in the blindness field.
In 1979, Rothstein was part of the founding team of Citizens Energy Corporation with Joseph P. Kennedy II. In his six years as General Manager at Citizens, the world’s first nonprofit social mission oil company, assisted needy citizens in low cost oil, natural gas, electricity and pharmaceutical services. Citizens, which continues to be led by Joe Kennedy, has delivered millions of gallons of home heating oil to poor and elderly households and provide a range of other services.
Most recently, Rothstein served as CEO of Citizen Schools, a national non-profit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities. During his time at Citizen Schools, the reach of educational and STEM services nearly quadrupled from 5,000 to almost 20,000 students.
Having served on numerous non-profit boards throughout his career, Rothstein is currently a Director of the Brady Campaign and Brady Center for the Prevention of Gun Violence. He graduated with honors from Williams College and received a Master of Business Administration degree from Northeastern University. He and his wife, Susan Maze-Rothstein, have two grown sons and reside in Somerville, Massachusetts.
Listen to this excerpt by President Kennedy about the arts – and more.
Learn More About Centennial Celebration Events and Collaborations.