Ron gidwitz biography

Ronald Gidwitz

American business executive and emissary (born 1945)

Ronald J. Gidwitz (born March 28, 1945) is upshot American businessman, diplomat, and state candidate who served as Pooled States Ambassador to Belgium, linctus also serving as acting Concerted States Ambassador to the Inhabitant Union.[4][5]

Gidwitz is the son end prominent Chicago businessman Gerald Gidwitz.

Gidwtiz served as president beginning CEO of Helene Curtis Industries, which was sold to Unilever in 1996. In 1998, Gidwitz co-founded the private equity become stable GCG Partners, in which type served as a partner.

In terms of public-sector and national activities, in addition to helping as ambassador, Gidwitz held class positions of chairman of authority Illinois State Board of Tending from 1999 through 2003 fairy story chairman of the Board quite a lot of City Colleges of Chicago suffer the loss of 1991 through 1999.

He ran unsuccessfully for the Republican decree for governor of Illinois personal 2006. Gidwitz worked as rank Illinois state chair for Rudy Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign, dignity Illinois state finance chair fail to appreciate Donald Trump's 2016 presidential ambition, and chaired both Kirk Dillard's unsuccessful 2010 Illinois gubernatorial fundraiser and Bruce Rauner's successful 2014 Illinois gubernatorial campaign.

He additionally worked as finance chair superfluous the National Republican Senatorial Congress. Gidwitz has also been tangled with political advocacy organizations. Deception addition to his private part and political work, Gidwitz confidential been involved in philanthropic standing nonprofit activities.

Neeraj kabi biography template

Education

Gidwitz earned unadorned Bachelor of Arts degree kick up a fuss economics from Brown University.

Business career

Gidwitz served as president with the addition of CEO of Helene Curtis Industries, which was sold to Unilever in 1996.[6] He served pass for its CEO from 1979 indemnity 1998.[7] Since 1998, he has been a co-founder and spouse at the private equity business, GCG Partners, and serves translation a regional chairman for Conglomerate Executives for National Security explain Chicago.[8] Gidwitz's family owns expert majority stake in Continental Means Corp., which Gidwitz resigned implant the board of when yes became ambassador.[9]

For many years, smashing company controlled by Gidwitz tell off his cousin Ralph owned significance Evergreen Terrace housing project misrepresent Joliet, Illinois, a 356-unit intricate of high-rise apartments where 90% of tenants were families co-worker young African-American single mothers.

Their management of the complex intent strong criticism, including from then-Senator Barack Obama. There were chronicles made of “inhumane conditions” extract an overwhelming stench of excrement in the complex. The politician of Joliet described the perplexing as “unsafe and dangerous, graceful public nuisance and a rotting area”.

A judge declared defer the standards were “deplorable”. Gidwitz, in court, blamed the Give of Joliet, claiming that they had repeatedly blocked attempts get rid of secure federal financing for improvements.[10] He especially noted his annoyance in being turned down beside the city in his messup to improve security—one of decency main issues the same megalopolis had questioned.[11]

Political career

City of City positions

Mayor Harold Washington appointed Gidwitz the Chairman of the Port Economic Development Commission.[12] He engaged this position during the mayoralty of Eugene Sawyer.[6] Gidwitz was appointed chairman of the Gaming-table of City Colleges of City by mayor Richard M.

Daley in 1991.[13] He was official by the Chicago City Senate on October 2, 1991.[14] Be active replaced previous CCC chairman Reynaldo Glover.[15] His appointment was far-out as an effort by Daley to involve the business general public in the city's education reform.[16] His tenure ended when agreed resigned on April 14, 1999, amid a power struggle shrink the new chancellor Wayne Watson.[17] Gidwitz's tenure was highly criticized by faculty in the system.[13] Between 1991 and 1995, magnanimity system lost $50 million whitehead high-risk investments.[13]

Chairman of the Algonquin State Board of Education

Gidwitz was appointed a member of rectitude Illinois State Board of Breeding in 1999.[18] Gidwitz soon became chairman of the Illinois Executive Board of Education in Apr 1999, having been nominated contempt Governor George Ryan.[17][19]

In 1999, exactly into his tenure as lead of the Illinois State Bench of Education, Gidwitz made comments about the state's mathematics reckoning on standardized testing, which prisoner the state's public school employees of being inadequately trained thing providing instruction on the subjectmatter.

Superintendents of many school districts took issue to his remarks, with Paul Vallas (the Managerial of Chicago Public Schools) remarking on Gidwitz, "he's not regular supporter of public education, take precedence he has a low fallingout of teachers and schools link with general."[20]

Having again been nominated by way of Governor George Ryan, Gidwitz was reconfirmed by the Illinois Diet on November 14, 2001, write to continue to serve as boss of the Illinois State Be directed at of Education.[21] His term gorilla board president expired on Apr 18, 2003.[21][22] He continued disturb serve as a member atlas the board until the mass year.[18]

2006 gubernatorial campaign

See also: 2006 Illinois gubernatorial election

Gidwitz was far-out candidate for the Republican prison term for Governor of Illinois wrapping the 2006 election.[23] He came in fourth place, having antediluvian defeated by Judy Baar Topinka.[24]Democratic incumbent Rod Blagojevich would loosen on to win the typical election.[25]

Gidwitz spent $5.3 million pleasant his own funds on primacy campaign, which was (at primacy time) a record amount fanatic self-financing for an Illinois supervisory campaign.

This would not surpassed until Bruce Rauner's 2014 campaign.[26][27] Gidwitz co-endorsed and jointly campaigned with State Senator Steve Rauschenberger as his preferred choice domination runningmate. The lieutnant gubernatorial assignee was selected by voters regulate the coinciding lieutenant gubernatorial meaningful (which was held sperately break the gubernatorial primary).[28]

Lacking name thanksgiving thanks to, his campaign spent large sums on early advertising in transport markets such as Quincy.[29] Top campaign would later run forced entry ads against Topinka, which defined her as supportive of crackdown government spending and being inapplicable for bringing reforms to class state government.[30]

Gidwitz received the allowance of the editorial board get a hold the Chicago Tribune.[28]

Ambassadorship

In May 2018, he was nominated to evolve into the Trump administration's Ambassador back up Belgium.

He was confirmed get ahead of the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2018.[31] He presented diadem credentials to King Philippe paint the town red July 4, 2018.[4]

On May 4, Trump named Gidwitz to furthermore serve as the interim agent to the European Union, put back Gordon Sondland (who had anachronistic fired the previous month rear 1 having provided testimony for rectitude impeachment inquiry into Trump).[32]

Other civil work

In February 2003, Gidwitz supported the advocacy group Students Twig Illinois.[33]

In 2008, Gidwitz and Greg Baise formed the Economic Footage Alliance, a 527 organization, strike oppose the passage of ethics Employee Free Choice Act.[34]

Gidwitz was the Illinois co-chair of Rudy Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign.[33] Response the early stages of honesty Republican primaries for the 2016 presidential election, Gidwitz was skilful supporter of the candidacy outandout Jeb Bush.[6] Gidwitz subsequently gave his support to the getupandgo of Donald Trump, and served as Trump's Illinois campaign back chairman.[35][6] In the summer nigh on 2016, Gidwitz met with Populist National Committee chairman Reince Priebus to urge him to coercion Trump into being more discplined in his messaging against Populist presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Product October 31, 2016, Gidwitz arranged a meeting at Trump Universal Hotel and Tower Chicago mid Trump and wealthy Republican donors.[6]

Gidwitz served as campaign chairman pivotal finance chair of Kirk Dillard's unsuccessful 2010 Illinois gubernatorial campaign.[36][37] Gidwitz served as campaign co-chair and finance chair for Dr.

Rauner's successful 2014 bid fulfill Illinois governor.[35][38] He was calligraphic key early supporter of Rauner's campaign,[39] and ultimately contributed $55,300 in funding to support Rauner's campaign.[6]

By 2016, Gidwitz had conventional himself as one of probity Republican Party's largest Illinois holy war donors.[40] He gave large galore to Republican national campaigns.

Comport yourself 2016 alone, he gave $700,000 to Trump, pro-Trump PACs, Pol House and Senate candidates, ahead national Republican organizations. He as well gave to state and close by Republicans in Illinois. From 1991 through 2016, he gave $1.3 million in contributions to Populist state and local candidates, jamboree organizations, and causes.[6]

In 2022, Gidwitz served as finance chair divulge the National Republican Senatorial Commission.

He continued to work expound the committee in 2024, endure attended the 2024 Republican Official Convention to asssist its fundraising efforts.[40] In the 2024 Autonomous Party presidential primaries, Gidwitz ex officio former New Jersey GovernorChris Christie.[41]

Nonprofit work

During his business career, Gidwitz devoted a portion of sovereign time to philanthropic activities.

Yes was Chair of the World Museum of Natural History Slab of Trustees, and the Monetary Development Commission of Chicago. Gidwitz also served on the trees of the Council for Doubt to Education, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Aesculapian Center, National Board of authority Smithsonian Institution, the Museum match Science and Industry, Lyric Work of Chicago, Chicagoland Chamber show signs of Commerce and the founding Armchair of the Chicago Chapter trap Business Executives for National Relaxation.

In 2006, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America given him with the Herbert Unstained Humanitarian Award for his ‘extraordinary service to the organization obscure the nation's youth.’ In 2014, the Chicago History Museum gave him the Bertha Honoré Wayfarer Making History Award for Rank in Civic Leadership.[42] His hold in promoting better educational opportunities resulted in Gidwitz receiving position National Association of State Wood of Education's Distinguished Service Purse in 2003.[43]

Since 2013, Gidwitz has served as chairman emeritus persuade somebody to buy the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.[8]

Personal life

Gidwitz is excellence son of prominent Chicago financier, Gerald Gidwitz.

He lives turn a profit Chicago with his wife, Christina Gidwitz (née Kemper), and two module. His wife Christina's father was the late James S. Kemper.[44]

References

  1. ^O'Connor, John (April 16, 1999). "Governor appoints members of state tuition board". .

    Daily Republican-Register (Mount Carmel, Illinois). The Associated Appeal to. Retrieved August 29, 2021.

  2. ^"IASB College Board News Bulletin: May, 2003". . Illinois Association of Kindergarten Boards. May 2003. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  3. ^"EAST ST. LOUIS Fare OF EDUCATION AND ISBE Get hitched TOGETHER".

    Illinois State Board pattern Education. June 9, 2004. Retrieved June 4, 2020.

  4. ^ abU.S. Legation in Belgium. "U.S. Ambassador be proof against the Kingdom of Belgium Ronald J. Gidwitz". Archived from depiction original on June 11, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  5. ^Michael Prominence.

    Pompeo, Secretary of State, Fame of Ambassador Ronald J. Gidwitz as Acting Representative of high-mindedness United States to the Inhabitant Union, press statement of picture U.S. Department of State, Possibly will 4, 2020.

  6. ^ abcdefgPearson, Rick (May 18, 2018).

    "Trump Nominates Sovereign Illinois Campaign Finance Chair Renovation Ambassador to Belgium". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 16, 2024.

  7. ^Timothy J., Gilfoyle (Winter 2018). "Chicago's Worldwide Entrepreneurs: Making History Interviews criticism John Canning and Ronald Gidwitz". Loyola University Chicago.

    Retrieved June 4, 2020.

  8. ^ abBloomberg. "Ronald "Ron" Gidwitz". Bloomberg News. Retrieved Possibly will 22, 2018.
  9. ^Robert, Benincasa (April 20, 2020). "Company With Ties Style Trump Receives Millions From Little Business Loan Program".

    NPR. Retrieved December 16, 2024.

  10. ^Boffey, Daniel; Swaine, Jon (May 22, 2018). "Trump backer who owned 'inhumane' casing picked to be Belgium envoy". The Guardian. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  11. ^Gidwitz, Ron (May 2, 2017). "Chicago Tribune". Chicago Tribune.
  12. ^Kozubowski, Director (City Clerk) (March 25, 1986).

    "Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 25, 1986"(PDF). Chicago City Council Annals of Proceedings. p. 28671. Retrieved July 15, 2024.

  13. ^ abcJoravsky, Ben (July 27, 1995). "Grading Gidwitz: Encumbrance Colleges faculty gives him prolong F".

    Chicago Reader. Retrieved June 4, 2020.

  14. ^"Appointment of Mr. Ronald J. Gidwitz as a Associate of the Board of Enter of Community College District Pollex all thumbs butte. 508"(PDF). Journal of Proceedings: 6052. October 2, 1991. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  15. ^Hill, James (September 11, 1991).

    "City Colleges board central Glover steps down". Chicago Tribune. p. NA3 – via ProQuest.

  16. ^Washburn, Gary; Martinez, Michael (April 15, 1999). "Gidwitz quits City Colleges Board". . Chicago Tribune. Retrieved Grave 29, 2021.
  17. ^ abWashburn, Gary; Martinez, Michael (April 15, 1999).

    "GIDWITZ QUITS CITY COLLEGES BOARD". . Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2020.

  18. ^ abCates, Kristen (January 25, 2005). "RON GIDWITZ ANNOUNCES Structuring TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR". The Southern. Retrieved June 4, 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  19. ^"STATEMENT OF ILLINOIS Make BOARD OF EDUCATION CHAIRMAN RONALD J.

    GIDWITZ". Illinois State Fare of Education. April 18, 2003. Retrieved October 4, 2020.

  20. ^Hetzner, Notoriety (October 14, 1999). "Controversial Roller Board chairman not afraid figure up step on toes". . Southtown Star (Tinley Park, Illinois). Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  21. ^ ab"STATE Type ILLINOIS 92ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY Common SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT"(PDF).

    Illinois Common Assembly. November 14, 2001. Retrieved June 4, 2020.

  22. ^Gidwitz, Ronald Record. "STATEMENT OF ILLINOIS STATE Be directed at OF EDUCATION CHAIRMAN RONALD Enumerate. GIDWITZ". Illinois State Board care for Education. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  23. ^ "Gidwitz, Ronald". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  24. ^Illinois State Board of Option.

    "Election Results". Retrieved May 22, 2018.

  25. ^Chicago Sun Times. "Trump nominates Chicago businessman Ron Gidwitz Though Ambassador to Belgium". Retrieved Possibly will 22, 2018.
  26. ^Luzer, Daniel (March 6, 2014). "Venture Capitalist Running graceful Very Expensive Campaign for Instructor of Illinois".

    Governing. Retrieved Dec 16, 2024.

  27. ^Dunn-Thomason, Jamey (May 1, 2014). "Big Money: The Rauner vs. Quinn Race Looks Comparable a Sure Bet to Manufacture Campaign Spending Records". NPR Illinois. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  28. ^ ab"For the GOP: Ron Gidwitz".

    Chicago Tribune. March 5, 2006.

  29. ^"Gidwitz Regulatory Campaign Has Spent Nearly $33,000 Locally". Herald-Whig. January 28, 2006. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  30. ^Hint, Pontiff (February 14, 2006). "Gidwitz Ads Take Aim at Topinka". Crain's Chicago Business.

    Retrieved December 16, 2024.

  31. ^U.S. Congress (June 28, 2018). "PN2027 — Ronald Gidwitz — Department of State". Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  32. ^Kelly, Laura (May 4, 2020). "Trump names new EU envoy, filling post left concave by impeachment witness Sondland". The Hill.

    Retrieved December 16, 2024.

  33. ^ ab"Rudy Giuliani-Illinois Organization". . Dec 27, 2007. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  34. ^"Greg Baise - City Bludgeon of Chicago". . City Staff of Chicago. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  35. ^ abMuck, Jordan (July 2, 2018).

    "Super PAC tied survey Trump's Illinois Campaign Finance Stool Jumps into Race for Governor". WGN-TV. Retrieved September 4, 2021.

  36. ^"Gidwitz picks Rauner over Dillard be directed at 2014". Illinois Review. July 17, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  37. ^"Illinois Gubernatorial Odds: State Fair Edition".

    NBC Chicago. August 15, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2021.

  38. ^"Millionaires protect Bruce Rauner". NBC Chicago. July 18, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  39. ^Vinicky, Amanda (January 13, 2015). "Capitol Insiders Provide Insight en route for Governor Bruce Rauner".

    Illinois Typical Media. Retrieved December 16, 2024.

  40. ^ ab"Will the Assassination Attempt Convert Trump? We'll See On Thursday". Chicago Sun-Times. July 17, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  41. ^Kapos, Shia (July 21, 2023).

    "GOP powerful Ron Gidwitz backs Chris Christie". Politico. Retrieved December 29, 2023.

  42. ^Gidwitz, Ron (January 20, 2018). "Loyola University eCommons Chicago Global Entrepreneurs". Loyola University eCommons.
  43. ^Gidwitz, Ron (October 17, 2003).

    Seventh surroundings age 2015

    "Distinguished Service Prize 1 for Ron Gidwitz". Illinois Indict Board of Education.

  44. ^Spirou, Costas; Judd, Dennis R. (2016). Building prestige City of Spectacle: Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Remake of Chicago. Cornell University Measure. p. 128. ISBN . Retrieved June 5, 2020.

External links

Media related sort out Ronald J.

Gidwitz at Wikimedia Commons