Chairman of Nalco joins The Chicago Public Education Fund Board of Directors
Latest to join group of corporate and civic leaders having raised nearly $50 million
to improve the quality and performance of principals and teachers in Chicago schools
July 14, 2010
The Chicago Public Education Fund's board of directors elected a new member at its most recent board meeting, welcoming J. Erik Fyrwald, Chairman, President & CEO of Nalco, by unanimous vote.
"Erik brings a vast amount of professional expertise and business best practices to The Fund," said Fund Chairman Penny Pritzker, Chairman of Pritzker Realty Group. “He also has the kind of results-oriented attitude that will help us push for the fundamental changes we need in this school system to generate better outcomes for our city’s children.”
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Mr. Fyrwald joined Nalco as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in February 2008 after a long and successful career at DuPont. In joining The Fund’s board, Mr. Fyrwald is among 23 directors representing some of Chicago's highest-profile business and civic leaders.
"We owe every child access to an effective education system to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve success," explained Fyrwald "The Fund plays a critical role in achieving that by investing in public education in ways that have broad and lasting impacts. I am honored to join such a dedicated and distinguished group of individuals and excited to get to work."
The Fund has raised nearly $50 million since 2000 from individuals, corporations and foundations. Using a venture capital model, the organization makes financial investments in programs to improve the quality and performance of principals and teachers in Chicago public schools. Directors and staff at The Fund also provide substantial support and assistance to its portfolio of programs and the school system, sharing accountability for results.
"We’ve set ambitious goals in our third investment fund around hiring and evaluating talent and extending learning time,” added Janet Knupp, Founding President & CEO of The Fund. "The Fund's board of directors is our greatest asset and adding a high-caliber CEO of a global company like Erik only enhances our ability to deliver on those goals.”
Mr. Fyrwald also serves as Director of Eli Lilly and Company, the Society of Chemical Industry and the American Chemistry Council. He is a member of the Executives Club of Chicago and a Trustee for the Field Museum of Chicago.
About The Chicago Public Education Fund
As venture capital for public education, The Chicago Public Education Fund is an unprecedented catalyst for improving school leadership and student achievement system wide. Launched by a group of corporate and civic leaders, The Fund brings private sector dollars and expertise to high-impact programs aligned with Chicago Public Schools priorities. Find out more at www.thefundchicago.org.