For Peter Rosenwald, community service isn’t just an obligation—it’s a family tradition. A lifelong Baltimorean, seasoned lawyer and dedicated philanthropist, Peter has spent decades giving back to organizations that provide critical support to those in need. Now, as an active leader within The Associated, he continues a legacy of Jewish service that spans generations.

His mother, Cynthia Miller Rosenwald, was equally committed to community service, helping found The Associated’s Women’s Leadership program. Growing up in a family so devoted to philanthropy, Peter understood from an early age that giving back was not just an option but an expectation.

Despite these strong familial ties, his own journey to The Associated was not immediate. Early in his career, Peter first engaged with the organization through the leadership development program in the 1980s.

However, as a young lawyer focused on building his practice, he soon found himself pulled toward other service opportunities. His work eventually led him to major nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the Maryland Food Bank, the National Aquarium and the United Way of Central Maryland.

It wasn’t until later in life, after years of serving broader community organizations, that Peter realized something was missing—he yearned for the opportunity to directly assist and engage with Baltimore’s Jewish community.

After having coffee with former Associated president Marc B.Terrill, whom he was connected to socially, Peter forged ahead with a new plan.

For Peter, his role isn’t just about high-level strategy—it’s about impact. Over the years, he has seen firsthand how a single unexpected event can send a family into crisis.

“It doesn’t take much,” he says. “A car breaks down, and suddenly a parent can’t get to work. A child gets sick, and the medical bills pile up. The families we help are often working hard, trying to do everything right, but they just need a little support to stay afloat. That’s why organizations like The Associated are so important.”

A Full-Circle Moment

One of the most rewarding aspects of Peter’s career—both in law and in philanthropy—has been the relationships he’s built along the way. As a lawyer, he has represented commercial banks in Baltimore for nearly 40 years, and he now finds himself working with the next generation of clients.

“It’s very full-circle,” he reflects. “Many of my original clients have retired, and now I’m working with their kids, helping them navigate the same transactions their parents did years ago.”

Similarly, his work with The Associated brings him back to the legacy his family established before him. When he reconnected with the organization, it felt like a natural extension of the values he was raised with.

“It was time,” he says. “I had spent years giving back in other ways, but I realized I hadn’t yet dedicated myself to the Jewish community in the way my family had. I wanted to change that.”

Beyond funding, Peter is also deeply aware of rising antisemitism and its impact on the Jewish community in Baltimore and beyond.

“There’s a lot going on right now that is very concerning,” he says. “But I have confidence in the smart, dedicated people at The Associated who are working tirelessly to address these issues. My role is to support them in any way I can.”

Looking Ahead

Though still relatively new to The Associated compared to some longtime members, Peter has already made a significant impact—and he’s just getting started. He remains committed to learning as much as he can about the organization and finding ways to apply his decades of nonprofit experience to further its mission.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this work,” Peter says. “The people I’ve met, the organizations I’ve had the chance to support—it’s been an honor. I don’t see this as just another role. This is a continuation of something bigger than me. It’s about making sure our Jewish community has the resources and support it needs for generations to come.”