Jeff Wurtzel

As a brand manager at the Wrigley Company, a Subsidiary of Mars Inc. (yum!) Jeffrey Wurtzel is a leading figure in Chicago's business marketing community.

Outside of work, Jeff serves one of the American Jewish Committee's youngest board members. Jeff takes to heart AJC's goals: to enhance the well-being of Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the U.S. and around the world. He was recently chosen for a diplomatic mission to Portugal and will play a leading role in AJC Chicago's hosting of an upcoming exhibition about the Jewish Refugees of Shanghai. He also is involved in the regional alumni activities for Washington University in St. Louis, including the Chicago Olin Alumni Committee (as in the Olin Business School of that university).

His mentor and fellow Wash U alum Harry Siegle said, [Jeff] is a prodigy and a real asset to the emerging young Jewish leaders here."

Amy Stoken, Director for AJC Chicago, said Jeff is a down-to-earth guy everyone should know. "Whether the topic is business ventures in China or diplomatic relations between Israel and Europe, Jeff brings a level of understanding and strategic perspective that is not found in many other people," she said.

Name:
Jeff Wurtzel

Age:
35

Pays the bills:
Brand Manager at the Wrigley Company, a Subsidiary of Mars, Inc.

On the side:
Exploring our great city of Chicago, eating terrific food, and cycling on the weekends.

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Passionate and loyal with an insatiable curiosity.

Celebrity doppelganger:
Mel Brooks

How do you Jew in Chicago?
I serve on the board of the American Jewish Committee, an organization with the stated mission to enhance the well-being of Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the U.S. and around the world.

Passions:
My family.

How do you give back?
As part of AJC’s board I spend my time building relationships with the diplomatic community here in Chicago and with policy makers abroad. This year, I traveled to Portugal to meet with local Jewish leaders and advocate for the security of Israel with top government officials. I am also involved in the regional alumni activities for Washington University in St. Louis including the Chicago Olin Alumni Committee.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Travel to the top 20 restaurants in the world.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Thriving. As a community we will build on a strong legacy of giving back to worthy causes and maintaining a vibrant culture.

Me in 10 years:
Hopefully, as committed and energized around the things I enjoy doing and being a part of as I am today.