by Mike Matzinger
Brian M. Rosenthal, an investigative journalist at The New York Times, exemplifies the values of integrity, perseverance, and service—principles he cultivated during his time as a Boy Scout. Raised in West Lafayette, Indiana, Rosenthal was a member of Troop 335, chartered by St. Andrew United Methodist Church. In 2006, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor, through the Sagamore Council. His Eagle Scout service project—a large-scale food drive—collected nearly 2,000 pounds of food for local families in need, demonstrating his commitment to community service. Rosenthal credits much of his journalistic success to the lessons learned in Scouting, emphasizing that it taught him empathy and respect, essential qualities for building trust and conducting thorough investigative reporting.
After earning a degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Rosenthal began his career at The Seattle Times, where he was part of a team that won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for coverage of a deadly mudslide. In 2017, he joined The New York Times as an investigative reporter on the Metro desk. His 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning series exposed how New York City’s taxi industry leaders profited from predatory loans that devastated drivers’ lives, an investigation that led to state and federal reforms. Rosenthal’s work has earned him multiple accolades, including three George Polk Awards, the Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting, and a national Emmy Award in 2019 for his work as a producer on a mini-documentary.
Beyond his reporting, Rosenthal has demonstrated leadership in the journalism community. Since 2019, he has served on the Board of Directors of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), the largest network of investigative journalists in the world, and in 2023 he was elected President of IRE, reflecting his commitment to advancing investigative journalism and supporting fellow journalists. Rosenthal’s career is a testament to the enduring influence of Scouting principles. His dedication to uncovering the truth and serving the public good mirrors the Scout Oath and Law, showing how the lessons learned in Scouting can lead to meaningful and impactful careers.
