Brad Finkel

If you or someone you know went to Camp Chi, you probably know Brad, the associate camp director at the Jewish overnight camp. Those of you who do, know that he is a warm soul and a big kid at heart. In fact, he has been with Camp Chi for 25 years, as a camper, counselor, assistant director, and now associate director.

In his nomination, Dr. Dean P. Bell, one of Brad's professors in the Spertus MAJPS program, said: "A camper who never wanted to leave camp, Brad is a model of someone who has successfully turned his passion into a flourishing career that contributes to the future of American Jewry. "

Studies have shown that those children who attend Jewish camp are more Jewishly engaged as adults-and Brad, a leader in today's Jewish camp world, makes kids love Jewish camp. He is a trule leader  in the national Jewish camping movement.

"Brad has a bright, sunny outlook but that doesn't in anyway diminish his professionalism or sophistication. He is an ideal combination of informal educator, passionate and committed Jew, and savvy manager," Bell said.

Name:
Brad Finkel

Age:
35

Pays the bills:
Associate Camp Director, JCC Camp Chi

On the side:
Soccer coach, father of two, grill master, family man

Relationship status:
Taken

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Fun, caring, energized about making a difference in people's lives

Celebrity doppelganger:
Zach Galifianakis

How do you Jew in Chicago?
CAMP, community events, JCC, synagogue, youth committee, culturally

Passions:
 Family, sports, vacation, kosher food, camping

How do you give back?
Through my job, I give all I can to make a difference in people's lives.  I also volunteer for different things throughout the community and help at my children's schools.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
I would continue making a difference and travel the world.  

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Working closely together and creating innovative programs to best serve the needs of our community, finding ways to create connections with people and continue to make a Jewish impact in their lives, and working together as one to deliver the BEST of what we do.

Me in 10 years:
Working closely with the Jewish community and continuing to make a difference and still be as happy as I am now!!!!  I look forward to working to make our community as strong as we can.