Donald Whitehead Jr.

Donald Whitehead is the Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless and a co-founder of Racial Equity Partners. Donald is serving his second term as the Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. Donald has been working on Homelessness, Recovery, and Racial Equity for over 25 years, ranging from outreach worker to Executive Director. Donald currently trains, teaches, and coaches racial equity work across the country in collaboration with the REP's dynamic team.

Donald served two terms on The State Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio, The State of Maryland Drug and Alcohol Policy Council, The Baltimore Ten Year Planning Committee to end Homelessness, The Cincinnati Continuum of Care and Directed a program to House the 100 hardest to serve Chronically Homeless individuals in Orlando Florida. Donald testified before the committee's in the 107th and 108th Congress. Donald along with members of the staffs of the offices of Representatives John Conyers, Julie Carson, Barbara Lee, John Lewis and the team of the National Coalition directed the creation and introduction of the "Bringing America Home Act the most comprehensive legislation to date to address Homelessness in America. Donald has served on advisory committees for Presidents Bush, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama. In 2005, Donald received a distinguished service award for his work on Homelessness from the Congressional Black Caucus. Donald received a second award of Special Recognition from Congress in 2008. In 2011 Donald completed the prestigious American Express leadership Academy. Donald received the 2020 customer service award from the State of Maryland for his efforts to move 200 street homeless individuals off the streets and into non-congregate facilities during COVID-19.

Donald provided interviews in the printed media, radio, and television on numerous occasions. Donald has been a featured guest on CBS News, ABC News, FOX TV, CNN, MSNBC, and many local stations. Radio appearances have included CBS Radio, NPR, The Tavis Smiley Show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and local stations throughout the US and stations in Great Britain, Germany, Canada, and Mexico. Donald has been a dinner guest of former President and Senator Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Donald majored in Communications at, The University of Cincinnati and studied at Union College and University in Ohio.
Donald served as a Journalist in the United States Navy. On a personal note, Donald is a stand-up comedian and actor.
Donald has performed in five movies and has received a regional Emmy for a role in the film Open the Sky".