J.B. Pritzker
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Throughout his business, philanthropic and political involvement, Jay Robert (J.B.) Pritzker, has built a reputation as a strong leader, an innovative entrepreneur and a champion of charitable causes.

J.B. Pritzker was born January 19, 1965, in Northern California. He attended Duke University where he earned an A.B. in political science. He later earned his law degree from Northwestern University School of Law.

His businesses include New World Ventures - a venture capital firm - and The Pritzker Group - a private investment firm. He is also a principal owner of Hyatt Hotels Corporation and TransUnion Corporation.

As president of the Pritzker Family Foundation, he established the Children’s Initiative, which funds programs for children in underserved communities. He also helped create the Pritzker Consortium on Early Childhood Development at the University of Chicago.

As chairman of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Pritzker successfully led the effort to build a world-class international institution in the Midwest dedicated to teaching the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. A committed advocate for human and civil rights, he is the principal funder of the Cambodia Tribunal Monitor, the most significant online source for news and commentaries regarding the international criminal tribunal created to bring to justice the perpetrators of Pol Pot era acts of genocide.

J.B. Pritzker is also an active civic leader and engaged board member of several cultural, educational and business organizations locally, regionally and nationally.

He lives in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife, M.K., and two children.

Blog Entries by J.B. Pritzker

A Head Start -- And Keeping It That Way

Posted December 10, 2010 | 15:12:14 (EST)

Any business owner can tell you that if their company isn't performing profitably and up to standards, one of two things will happen: either you make changes to improve its efficiency or a competitor will drive you out of business. Market forces have a way of cutting to the...

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The Children of the Great Recession

Posted August 6, 2010 | 13:43:48 (EST)

Is The Great Recession over? Is it entering a double dip? Will the economy ever fully recover?

Almost every day several economists can be heard on the business cable channels discussing these questions. Agreement is scarce. Conclusions more so. And when the TV programs end, aside from being reminded of...

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Winning the World Cup

Posted June 30, 2010 | 17:11:45 (EST)

In the next few months, a crucial bill will be coming before Congress - the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act). When the House and Senate consider this legislation, they ought to take a hint from one of the most popular...

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Only Kids Can Fix This Economy

Posted May 26, 2010 | 19:04:27 (EST)

In my day job, I worry non-stop about making wise investments for long-term gains. In my philanthropic work, I do precisely the same, but I face far less worry and enjoy much more certainty. Why? Because I focus on supporting high quality early childhood health care and education. By betting...

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