The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation names Paul J. Sznewajs its founding executive director
The Richard L. Duchossois Foundation has selected Paul J. Sznewajs as its founding executive director.
The private foundation was formed shortly before the death of Duchossois at age 100 in January 2022. It will operate independently, and in addition to, the Duchossois Family Foundation.
Sznewajs has extensive leadership experience in social sector strategy and nonprofit management, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Parliament Collective Intelligence, a data, strategy, and impact consultancy. He assisted philanthropies, nonprofits, and government agencies in using data to effectively guide and measure strategy toward influencing and achieving social outcomes.
“I am excited for the opportunity to bring Mr. Duchossois’ vision and values to life through meaningful partnerships and investments,” said Sznewajs of La Grange in a news release. “We intend to collaborate with others in Chicago’s impressive civic and philanthropic sectors to tackle some of the most significant issues facing our communities today.”
Duchossois was a decorated war hero, renowned businessman, horse-racing icon, and philanthropist. He was the founder and chairman of The Duchossois Group, Inc., a family-owned company headquartered in Chicago, known for many business and public interests.
“Paul’s innovative background and strategic mindset will enable us to build from our start-up phase to expanding impact in the years ahead,” said Scott Mordell, foundation board chair. “We take seriously our role in carrying forth Dick’s legacy, wisdom and compassion. He was an incredible man who made everything and everyone better through his vision, wisdom, and compassion. He was truly one of those known as our country’s Greatest Generation.”
“We are thrilled to have an individual with Paul’s experience and passion lead our foundation,” said Judi Duchossois, foundation board member and wife of the late Duchossois. “Dick would be delighted to know that we found an outstanding leader to carry forth the mission he envisioned when the foundation was formed.”
Previously, Sznewajs was the founding executive director of Ingenuity, a nonprofit consortium formed by major foundations and corporations to focus on systems change in Chicago Public Schools. He forged public-private partnerships to complete a $25 million fundraising effort that launched the Creative Schools Fund, which grants directly to public schools to establish and sustain their creative arts programs and extend access to under-served students.
Sznewajs and the organizations he has led have been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Boeing Game Changer Award, the Chicago Innovation Award, the National Leadership Award given by Americans for the Arts, as well recognition by White House’s President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
Sznewajs will join the foundation in early 2024.