John M. Sirek
Chicago, IL - USA
McCormick Tribune Foundation

Biography:

John M. Sirek is currently the citizenship program director at the McCormick Tribune Foundation. In this position he funds initiatives in Illinois that seek to actively engage young people in civic affairs, honor patriotism, and strengthen the nonprofit sector. He also coordinates the foundation’s Cantigny Conference Series; a program of annual conferences that address issues important to the nation.

Prior to joining the foundation Mr. Sirek was the executive director of the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships, a visitor training program for journalists from developing countries. He also served as an overseas studies advisor in Georgetown University’s Office of International Programs. Mr. Sirek has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. He has also studied in Sweden and Poland.

Mr. Sirek is Board president of PACE: Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, a Board member of TimeLine Theatre Company, and serves on the Advisory Committee of the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships. He is also a member of the International Visitors Center of Chicago and the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations’ Presidents Circle and Program Committee.