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The former Englewood resident and retired Ramsey business owner has always lived in Bergen County. He began his involvement with Alzheimer’s New Jersey almost 20 years ago after his late mother developed the disease when she was in her 60s.
“Russell has been a devoted member of the Alzheimer’s New Jersey board for many years so we know that he will bring experience and passion as Board Chair,” said Ken Zaentz, President and CEO of Alzheimer’s New Jersey. “We thank (former Board Chair) Kathleen for leading us these past years, specifically through our recent disaffiliation from the Alzheimer’s Association. Her commitment has been a great and vital asset to our organization.”
Rothman got involved after a friend recommended that he contact the organization after he felt left in the dark about the disease and didn’t know where to turn for help.
Alzheimer’s New Jersey provided Rothman with the appropriate resources, supportive counsel and services he needed to get his family through a difficult time. In turn, he decided to give back and get involved.
As a result, he has served as a volunteer and board member for over 15 years. He was also the driving force behind establishing the organization’s annual fundraising Walk to Fight Alzheimer’s in Bergen County, now in its 14th year.
“I have witnessed first-hand the overwhelming physical and emotional impact that Alzheimer’s disease has on a person and their family,” said Rothman. “Alzheimer’s New Jersey provided me with the help and resources I needed and that is the message I want to share with families and caregivers throughout the state. I look forward to our continued growth in supporting New Jersey families. ”
He retired in 2014 from working with his brothers for over 30 years at their family’s consumer electronics and appliance distribution company, M. Rothman & Company, Inc., in Ramsey, which their father founded in 1950.
In addition to his work with Alzheimer’s New Jersey, Rothman has served as the national co-chair of the ASPNI, the American Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the largest and oldest conservation NGO in the Middle East. The group’s success was exemplified in 1992 at an international conference in Eilat, where representatives from every continent attended and was hosted by the Dalai Lama on his first and only visit to Israel.
Rothman graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and received his master’s degree at the University of Minnesota in ecology and behavioral biology with the noted international expert, L David Mech.
Rothman replaces the previous Board Chair Kathleen Townshend Dugan who served in the position for three years. Dugan will continue her involvement with the organization and serve as Board Vice Chair.
Alzheimer’s New Jersey is formerly known as the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey Chapter.
Since 1985, Alzheimer’s New Jersey has provided care and support for New Jersey families and has helped advance research for a cure. As Alzheimer’s New Jersey (formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter), their commitment to local programs and services is stronger than ever. Their mission is to provide support, assistance and information to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, their families and care partners; and to support research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer's disease.
Visit alznj.org or call 888-280-6055 for more information.
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