Brian Price

Friends describe Brian Price as a mensch—and a pretty impressive one at that.

Brian earned a B.S. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, “so it is no surprise that he has an affinity for numbers,” said Lindsey Paige Markus, a friend and fellow member of the Standard Club. “Most impressive is Brian's ability to process complex financials, identify patterns that others miss, and present the information in a way that everyone can understand. He listens carefully, analyzes creatively and communicates brilliantly.”

We imagine his days are pretty busy as Chief Operating Officer of Mesirow Financial’s Investment Banking Group. But somehow he finds time to serve as the founding member and chair of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Young Associate Committee, an active member of the Board of Directors of the Standard Club, and is also involved in the Midwest Board of the American Committee for Weitzmann Institute of Science, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and let’s not forget—JUF.

Alison Pure-Slovin, a fellow board member at the Standard Club and Simon Wiesenthal Center, said Brian “juggles a high profile position at Mesirow Financial, while making his leadership roles in Jewish philanthropy a priority.

“Brian is concerned about the issues that face the Jewish people globally,” Alison said. “His charisma is infectious but he is humble in his accomplishments and giving.  He is well abreast of the issues that face the Jewish people and makes them his own.”

Name:
Brian Price

Age:
29

Pays the bills:
Chief Operating Officer of Mesirow Financial’s Investment Banking Group

On the side:
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of The Standard Club and American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (Midwest region).  I also co-chair the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Chicago Leadership Council. I’m an avid fan of the Blackhawks, love to travel with my wife, and enjoy having lunch with new people. And, I regularly occupy a stool at The Standard Club’s cocktail lounge.

Relationship status:
Married

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Committed to my family, work, Chicago and the Jewish community. 

Celebrity doppelganger:
A celebrity look-a like app came up with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Eddie Cibrian—I don’t see it.  My celebrity doppelganger would be the fictional love child of Oliver Platt and Rachel Maddow.

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Being Jewish is a very important part of my identity and something that I incorporate into my work, civic causes and philanthropy.  The real question is how do I not Jew in Chicago?

Passions:
I’m most passionate about learning and meeting new people.  I enjoy connecting people to help foster community and learn from each other.  I’m always inspired by some of the amazing ideas I’ve seen people come up with through open discussion and talking about their experiences.

How do you give back?
I’m very active with the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Simon Wiesenthal Center.  I’m also a strong supporter of the JUF, Israel Sport Center for the Disabled, Anixter Center and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  I’m fortunate to be a part of Mesirow Financial and The Standard Club, two organizations that strongly value giving back and find new, innovative ways to contribute to the community.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Dedicate my time and money to helping the community as well as investing in Chicago’s brilliant entrepreneurial companies.  I’d also travel the world.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
In 10 years, Chicago’s Jewish community will be more deeply involved in helping Chicago and improving the world than ever before.  I’ve met some incredible young Jews that have either founded or are an active part of some great philanthropic organizations. YLD experiences record attendance and participation and it seems that every charity and synagogue has an Associate Board or Young Professionals group.

Me in 10 years:
In 10 years, I’ll be a little older, a little wiser, and still telling people that I am 29.