David Landsberg: A Publisher’s Path To Purpose
- Inspiration
- Stories
Philanthropy and journalism, while distinct in practice, share a foundational mission: serving the public good.
Both industries are rooted in a commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability, whether through sharing untold stories or funding causes that drive meaningful social change. Few individuals embody this intersection more fully than David Landsberg.
For over three decades, Landsberg dedicated his career to journalism, culminating in his role as President and Publisher of The Miami Herald.
During his time at the paper, he played a pivotal role in shaping South Florida’s media landscape, guiding the publication through an evolving digital age and ensuring it remained a trusted voice in South Florida.
“ That particular for-profit felt very much like a non-profit, because we were serving the community. ”
Yet, Landsberg’s commitment to impact didn’t end with journalism.
While still at the Herald, he served on the board of Goodwill Industries of South Florida, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of inclusive employment and job training. This experience would eventually inspire him to make a shift from journalism to philanthropy. In 2014, Landsberg assumed the role of President and CEO of Goodwill South Florida, a nonprofit with a mission to empower individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
“ A lot of times people say, what on earth does running a nonprofit have to do with running a newspaper? I say actually a lot more than you think... they are both organizations focused on creating positive outcomes in the community ”
Under his leadership, Goodwill South Florida has grown into one of the region’s most impactful organizations, employing over 3,000, including 1,000 individuals with disabilities… making it the largest such employer in the state of Florida.
Landsberg oversees a wide range of operations, including manufacturing, commercial laundry, and apparel production for U.S. military contracts, all of which provide sustainable job opportunities for people often excluded from the workforce.
Despite his demanding professional responsibilities, Landsberg remains deeply grounded in family.
He is a devoted husband and father to three daughters. He humorously notes, “three adult children, women, keep me grounded pretty well”.
In episode two of What We Leave Behind, we sat down with Mr. Landsberg to explore how his experience has transformed not only Goodwill Industries of South Florida, but also his own perspective and sense of purpose.
Watch the episode here!