Danny Gutman

Danny Gutman's passions lie with engaging and shaping both his generation and the next generation of Jewish leaders, specifically strengthening their ties to the legacy of the Holocaust and to Israel.  

For the past six years, Danny has become increasingly more involved with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, chairing events and fundraisers, and serving on the Chicago Next Generation Board. He has also led a national mission to the museum in Washington, D.C. In addition, Danny is vice chair of the board of TAMID Group, which trains college business students and instills in them a strong connection to Israel through education and work experience with Israeli startups. 

Locally, Danny is a mentor to teens approaching high school graduation, helping them make the transition to college. He recently expanded these efforts by starting a teen mentorship program through his workplace, BDT & Company. 

AGE:
29

PRIMARY GIG:
I am transitioning back to school where I will pursue my MBA at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago before returning, upon graduation, to BDT & Company where I have spent the past 4 years.

ON THE SIDE:
Make the most of time with family and friends, cycle, avid Chicago sports fan. I am actively involved with both the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and TAMID Group (where I have been involved basically since the organization’s inception). I also helped establish a Teen Mentor Program at BDT where around 30 BDT employees organize and host regular mentorship sessions with Chicago-area teens.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Married to my high school crush

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My grandmother. She left Poland during World War II to join her brother who was studying in Israel. The rest of her family perished at the hands of the Nazis. Despite the horrific stories she carried with her, losing her sister, her parents and her childhood to the Holocaust, she and my grandfather built a vibrant life in Chicago, filled with love and friends who became their family. She was always positive and made the most of every day, playing tennis and bridge well into her nineties. She set an example for all of us, treating others with respect and living a life full of purpose. It was so important to her that her legacy was one of living life for those who had lost theirs. My family is still often stopped by adults who were in her Hebrew classes 40-plus years ago who want to share how much of an impact she had on their lives. She was a strong Zionist and role model.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Be the best listener you can be.