Donna Galeno, MSW

Donna Galeno, MSW, spent 20 years as a senior leader at the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) Homeless Services Department focused on creating, developing and managing nationally-recognized models of service for homeless families. She also helped shape public policy and awareness on the issues of housing and homelessness throughout the United States. She was recognized with the Homeless Services United Outstanding Service Award. She also served as the inaugural Administrator of the national Red Cross’ September 11th Recovery Program.

Donna spent more than a decade at StoryCorps, the national oral history and media project, building the start-up nonprofit from the ground up. She was responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of multiple strategic plans; creating and expanding organizational infrastructure and funding, and overseeing the research, design and implementation of all StoryCorps’ programs, including 9 national initiatives focused on recording, preserving and sharing the stories of marginalized communities whose voices are underrepresented in mainstream media. During her tenure the organization was recognized with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

Since 2017 Donna has been the primary care manager for a close friend who sustained a traumatic brain injury, immersing herself in ensuring his access to the highest quality of medical, rehabilitative and home care possible.