Vice Mayor Mitch Rosenwald, PhD, LCSW

Elected: November 2020

Term Expires: November 2024

Vice Mayor Mitch Rosenwald was elected to the Oakland Park City Commission in 2020. Mitch brings the perspective of a social worker, a researcher, and a community activist to this position. He believes that residents, business owners, and city administration can partner to balance smart development with neighborhood integrity.  Mitch is committed to hearing the residents’ voice, building strong, diverse neighborhoods, cultivating smart growth, and creating a “greener” Oakland Park.

Education and Experience

Originally from Maryland, Vice Mayor Rosenwald received a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and economics from Salisbury University, a Master’s degree in sociology from Syracuse University, and  Master’s and Doctoral degrees in social work from University of Maryland.  Mitch is a full-time Professor of Social Work at Barry University’s School of Social Work and a Florida licensed clinical social worker.   His clinical practice experience includes child welfare, geriatric social work, mental health therapy, and group work.

He teaches courses in social welfare policy, leadership and advocacy, and quantitative research methods. Dr. Rosenwald has published two books and over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters.  Mitch is the Past President of the National Association of Social Workers-Florida Chapter and was recognized as Social Worker of the Year for Florida. He served as a federal evaluator on a U.S. Children’s Bureau grant.

Memberships and Civic Involvement

Mitch is a proud member of a number of groups including the Oakland Park Kiwanis, Oakland Park Volunteer Corps, National Association of Social Workers, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.  He was the founding president of the Corals of Oakland Park Neighborhood Association (COPNA) and the Neighborhood Coalition of Oakland Park.  Vice Mayor Rosenwald hosts Oakland Park Community Check-In on social media.  His past community work and involvement includes providing oncology support groups at Gilda’s Club, providing support groups for homeless individuals at the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, and helping youth in foster care as a Guardian ad Litem. Mitch is a 2016 Graduate of the Local Government Academy.