Gerald Chertavian
About Gerald Chertavian
Gerald Chertavian is a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and a prominent social entrepreneur, recognized for founding Year Up and serving on various educational and advisory boards. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to social entrepreneurship and education.
Work at Harvard Business School
Gerald Chertavian currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he contributes to the academic community by sharing his extensive knowledge and experience in social entrepreneurship and economic development. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative, where he provides insights and guidance on initiatives aimed at addressing social issues through innovative business solutions.
Education and Expertise
Gerald Chertavian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bowdoin College, where he studied from 1983 to 1987. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, completing his studies from 1990 to 1992. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in economic principles and business strategies, which he applies in his roles as an educator and social entrepreneur.
Background
Chertavian has a diverse professional background that includes founding and leading Year Up, an organization dedicated to closing the opportunity divide for young adults. He served as the Founder and CEO of Year Up from 2000 to 2023. Prior to this, he was the Group Managing Director at Conduit Communications Ltd from 1993 to 2000, and he began his career as a Credit Officer at Chemical Bank from 1987 to 1990. His early involvement in the Big Brother mentoring program since 1985 highlights his commitment to youth development.
Achievements
Gerald Chertavian has received several accolades for his contributions to social entrepreneurship and education. He was elected as a Fellow with the Ashoka Global Fellowship in 2006 and received the Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Manhattan Institute in 2003. He authored the New York Times best-selling book 'A Year Up' in 2012, which reflects his insights on youth empowerment. Additionally, he has been recognized with honorary doctorates from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and Mount Ida College.
Community Involvement
Chertavian has actively engaged in community service and educational initiatives. He was appointed by Massachusetts' Governor Deval Patrick to the MA State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2008. He also served as Chairman of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees starting in 2013. His involvement in these roles demonstrates his commitment to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students in Massachusetts.