CHICAGO, April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading youth
development nonprofit Chicago Scholars is proud to announce
Jeffery Beckham, Jr. as its new CEO.
Following his leadership as Interim CEO since December 2020 and previous role as VP of
Partnerships, Beckham will continue to empower Chicago's academically ambitious
first-generation and low-income students in his new role as the
organization celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. After an
executive search for the position conducted by Koya Partners, the
Chicago Scholars Board of Directors unanimously selected Beckham
for the role.
As a continuation of his work as Interim CEO, Beckham will be
responsible for leading the development of the organization that
serves more than 4,000 first-generation and low-income Chicago students to reach their dreams to
pursue a college education. As a community leader, artist and
tech-entrepreneur, Beckham has also advanced the fight for equity
for youth and marginalized communities throughout the United States.
"The Chicago Scholars community and mission is so inspirational,
valuable and necessary, and I've seen first-hand the lasting impact
this organization has on our next generation of leaders," said
Beckham. "I'm honored for the opportunity to continue to empower
driven young adults and grow such an outstanding program."
In the past few months as Interim CEO, Beckham has already made
important connections with a variety of new and ongoing partners to
support Chicago Scholars' vision. Beckham brought on the
exceptional support of McKinsey and Co., which has helped the
organization expand its technology, financially supported Chicago
Scholars programs, and recently awarded scholarships to three
students. He also connected with the national nonprofit Health Care
Connection, which empowers students to choose and successfully
pursue authentic healthcare and public health careers.
Leading the next chapter of Chicago Scholars as it enters its
25th year, Beckham plans to continue expanding its reach to ensure
college education is accessible for all Chicago students by deepening personal
engagement, broadening technical capabilities and preparing for a
post-COVID-19 world while maintaining the organization's financial
health. Opening new avenues to connect with black and brown
students, Chicago Scholars will continue to fight for justice for a
diverse group of Chicagoland leaders.
"Jeff's continued leadership, passion, and promotion of our
READI initiative [racial justice, equity, accessibility,
diversity, and inclusion] were integral in the board's decision,
making him the perfect Chief Executive Officer for Chicago
Scholars," said Kathryn Thomas,
Board Member and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. Chicago
Scholars' Board Chair Kourtney
Gibson added, "Jeff's demonstrated commitment to the
organization's mission, his relationships with key stakeholders in
the Chicago community, and his
vision for the future of Chicago Scholars will take our
organization to new heights."
Beckham's thoughtful and dedicated leadership has earned him
numerous accolades. WVON and Ariel Investments named Beckham one of
Chicago's Top 40 Game Changers
Under 40 years old in 2015, he was a finalist for the Chicago Inno
50 on Fire Award in 2016, and The RAY Awards named him their
2018-2019 Man of the Year for his work in the community. He is also
a New Leaders Council Alum (2016), Impact Fellowship Alum (2018),
Civic Action Capstone Fellowship Alum (2019) and 2020 Bank of
America Neighborhood Builder Award Fellow.
ABOUT CHICAGO
SCHOLARS
Chicago Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,
leadership development organization that empowers academically
ambitious low-income or first-generation students to overcome
systemic barriers to success in college and beyond while preparing
the city's businesses and organizations for the next generation of
leaders. For more information visit www.chicagoscholars.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Chelsea
Rosenberg
502-435-4090
307928@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Chicago Scholars