Brian Gutman
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Brian is a family man who is dedicated to building a better world for his two children.
Described as someone who always leads by example, he began his charitable involvement at age 12, mobilizing other youth to raise funds to benefit Keshet. He tutors 4th and 5th grade students from Chicago, donates Thanksgiving and Christmas meals through the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and participates in I Grow Chicago's mission to transform the street of West Englewood on the South Side.
Brian is passionate about social justice, including education for all and voting rights - which he supports by canvassing, operating voter hotlines, and registering voters during elections.
He and his wife are also upcoming co-chairs of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Chicago Next Generation Board, where they will honor the legacy of survivors - including Brian's grandparents.
AGE:
32
PRONOUNS:
He, Him, His
PRIMARY GIG:
Chief Operating Officer and Partner, FBA Capital Management
ON THE SIDE:
Dad, Husband, Golfer, Chicago Sports Fan, Political Nerd, and Volunteer
HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
(1) Celebrating Shabbat with my extended family on Friday nights (my favorite meal of the week), (2) my wife and I are Co-Chairs for the Chicago Next Generation Board for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, (3) celebrating the Jewish holidays and creating Jewish traditions with my growing family, and (4) being an active member of my synagogue, Am Shalom.
A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My father. He epitomizes what is means to be a great person, which I think gets to the root of what it means to be a great Jew. He is the son of Holocaust survivors, who has dedicated his life to Jewish causes and in doing so has made the world a better place. Whether serving on the Council of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum or leading efforts to fight antisemitism on college campuses, my dad has always prioritized protecting the Jewish people. He has always led by example, treating everyone with respect and kindness, and always putting others first. Whenever we meet old colleagues or friends of his, we are always reminded of how many lives he has touched. He is the true definition of a mensch, and I hope to have a fraction of the impact he has had on the Jewish community, and the world, throughout my life.
YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Never be afraid of doing the right thing.
