Chicago The Chinese American Service League (CASL), the largest AAPI social service agency in the Midwest, is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Jered Pruitt was honored as a Crain's Chicago Business 2021 Notable LGBTQ Executive. Crain's Chicago Business recognized 50 LGBTQ executives and professionals who have made significant contributions to advancing equality within the workplace or in the Chicago area.
"We're very proud of Jered, not just for being honored as a Notable LGBTQ Executive, but for the exceptional work he does at CASL every day," said Paul Luu, Chief Executive Officer of CASL. "Jered is an instrumental leader and is a driving force for CASL's ability to provide a suite of social services that meet the unique needs of Chicago's AAPI community."
As COO, Jered focuses on internal operations and administration, programs, and development functions, ensuring effective management teams are in place to execute and provide leadership, direction, and support to all departments. Jered oversees over 500 staff members and more than 200 volunteers who serve thousands within the Chicagoland Chinese community.
"Jered is a deeply committed mentor to the organization's young professionals and works diligently to ensure everyone's voice is heard," said Jim Mark, CASL Board Chairman. "He oversees CASL's market rate studies and talent acquisitions to help enhance retention and recruit a diverse group of professionals and actively supports the CEO to vet diverse, prospective board members."
Jered was instrumental in leading CASL's COVID-19 response. He established PPE reserves, pivoted departments to remote work, led CASL's vaccination efforts (over 95% of staff are fully vaccinated), and expanded the senior meals program to combat food insecurity throughout the pandemic.
In addition, Jered led the development and execution of CASL's Center for Social Impact, and its annual Social Determinants of Health reports in 2020 and 2021. The reports have proven to be instrumental in identifying inequities within the community. Upon identifying the inequities, Jered adjusts CASL's service offerings to address the identified inequities and improve the well-being of Chicago's AAPI community.
=Jered was nominated through a formal submission process to Crain's Chicago Business, and his submission was reviewed by the outlet's editors. Only the most distinguished individuals are selected, and to qualify, each candidate must have made significant contributions to advancing equality within the workplace in the Chicago area.
About The Chinese American Service League (CASL)
For over 40 years, the Chinese American Service League's (CASL) comprehensive programs have connected families and individuals in the Chicago Chinese community and beyond with the vital support they need: providing an educational and cultural foundation for our children, ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity, enhancing education and training for tomorrow's workforce, putting immigrants on the pathway to citizenship, securing our community's housing and financial well-being, and providing all with equal access to justice.