Cameron Smith

Few people are as motivated to pursue their passions as Cameron Smith. By day, Cameron serves as Vice President of CHS, a private equity firm in the Loop, where he concentrates on healthcare and education investing. Outside of the workplace however, he's busy improving children's education.

Cameron founded Bennett Day School, a private institution offering children (PK-8^th grade) a learning environment focused on innovation and creativity with unique curriculum and a devoted staff scheduled to open soon.

Cameron identifies strongly with the Chicago Jewish community. He and his wife, Erica, are actively looking for a congregation where their two-year old son can partake in a strong learning environment. Erica says of her husband, "He feels that providing an education focused on exploration, questioning, and grit is one of the most Jewish gifts one can provide his or her children."

Name:
Cameron Smith

Age:
34

Pays the bills:
Vice President at CHS Capital

On the side:
Founding downtown Chicago's most innovative and creative private PK-8 elementary school, Bennett Day School.

Relationship status:
Taken

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
Dynamic, driven and passionate about work, family and education.

Celebrity doppelganger:
Paul Rudd (I don't see it but believe it or not, other people seem to!)

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Attend lots of JUF events and we're looking to join a city congregation within the next year.

Passions:
Improving children's education, Detroit basketball/sports, enjoying downtown, and "pretending" with my son.

How do you give back?
I'm on the board of Namaste Charter School, an elementary school on the south side focusing on nutrition, yoga and healthy living to improve academic performance.  It really works and the amazing students are proving it!

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
continue researching and spreading the truth about elementary education. There are so many cool and effective techniques used around the world that I want to bring to Chicago and, ultimately, the rest of the country. Oh, and I would take time off to go with my family on some adventure in Asia and South America… And buy a new house for my wife to decorate (she's an interior designer.)

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Young and evolving, still committed as always to educating kids in a way that encourages them to ask questions about their world.

Me in 10 years:
Celebrating a healthy family and the success of multiple Bennett Day School locations.