August 26, 2026 — As we approach the start of the new Jewish year, we are proud to announce business entrepreneur Stephen Wolff, a Chicago native and resident, as the new Chairman of our Board of Trustees.
Stephen is retired President and CEO of National Kwikmetal Service, a Des Plaines-based Stainless Steel and Aluminum Service Center, which he founded in 1989.
A Spertus Trustee since 2018, he served as Vice Chairman for the past year, as well as Chair of the Governance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee for several years.
“Steve is a wonderful and remarkably caring individual. He thinks deeply about strategy and growth, but also about organizational culture and the people of our institution—staff, Trustees, students—in ways that are inspiring,” Spertus Institute President & CEO Dr. Dean P. Bell said. “He is a model leader, who assumes the Chair at a time of unprecedented growth of programs and institutional reach. I am excited for our expanded work together.”
Stephen has an engineering degree from the University of Illinois, a JD from John Marshall Law School, an MBA from the University of Chicago — and a Certificate in Jewish Leadership from Spertus. He worked as an engineer at Westinghouse Corporation and later as a patent attorney specializing in mechanical patent litigation and trademark infringement, before launching his company.
Tributes in honor of Stephen Wolff’s appointment will support important educational initiatives.
Get to Know Steve
Spertus communications staff spoke with Stephen Wolff about his Spertus experiences and his thoughts on his new role. This is an excerpt from their conversation.
How did you first get involved with Spertus Institute?
Growing up in the far southern suburbs of Chicago, I rarely came into the city, except to visit my grandfather in Hyde Park. My parents actually met at a dance sponsored by a local Jewish social group in Hyde Park, so from an early age, I understood the important role Jewish organizations play outside of the synagogue.
Later, as a young parent, I would take my own children to Spertus. Back then, we would visit the museum. There was a terrific hands-on archaeological dig for kids in the basement, and we frequently stopped by the gift shop for special occasions. While the Spertus of the 1980s looks very different from the Spertus of today, the Institute has always been special to me.
Why is our work important to you?
As a first-generation American whose parents escaped Germany in the late 1930s, I have always felt deeply fortunate. I was blessed with the opportunity to pursue higher education, earning advanced degrees throughout my adulthood. While my academic studies didn’t originally focus on Jewish issues, my Jewish identity deepened after I married my wife, Marla. Together, we have always prioritized supporting Jewish causes, with a strong focus on education.
Today, Spertus plays a unique and essential role by empowering Jewish communal leaders through applied Jewish learning. I strongly believe the Jewish community is at a critical crossroads that requires strong leadership rooted in our history and ethical values. Spertus bridges the gap between synagogue adult education and secular university teaching. The proof is in the overwhelming demand for our degree and certificate programs, which equip leaders to strengthen and guide their communities.
What else is on your list of favorite Spertus activities?
Top of my list is attending the spring graduation ceremony. It is such a joyful celebration, and meeting the graduates and their families is deeply moving. Their pride and optimism for the future are infectious. Having completed the Certificate in Jewish Leadership program myself, I’ve had an opportunity to learn from some of the same educators that teach our degree students. I know how hard they have to work to achieve this important goal.
I also make a point to attend Spertus public programming. The events are consistently informative and provide valuable insights that help me navigate complex, thoughtful conversations with friends and family.
Finally, I genuinely look forward to our board meetings. I’ve been fortunate to serve alongside dedicated and talented trustees, some of whom have become good friends. Working toward a shared mission with like-minded people is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.
What are your goals for your term as Chair?
I am honored to follow a line of remarkable board leaders who have continually elevated Spertus’ reputation and operational strength. Today, we are experiencing unprecedented demand for our programs and, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are growing at a rapid pace.
From my business experience, I know that rapid growth requires careful management. As we expand our staff, facilities, and reach, we must ensure that our growth is deliberate, controlled, and grounded in multiyear strategic planning. My primary goal is to partner with our trustees to support our President/CEO and Vice President/Chief Academic Officer in scaling Spertus sustainably. A key part of that effort will be providing strategic guidance and building new connections to help diversify and expand our funding sources.
If someone was thinking about supporting Spertus financially or getting involved with the board, what would you say to them?
I would tell them that there has never been a more crucial or rewarding time to invest in Spertus. Our community is facing complex challenges, and the need for thoughtful and well-prepared Jewish leadership has never been greater.
When you support Spertus you are directly shaping the future of Jewish leadership across the globe. We call it the “ripple effect.” You get to see the impact of your investment in the talented professionals who graduate from our programs and lead our communities with strength, empathy, and wisdom. Plus, you’ll be joining a warm and passionate network of individuals who are deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the Jewish community.