A man with short gray hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt and dark blazer, is seated in an office with shelves and framed items in the background.

Bernard Cherkasov

Trustee

Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

OVERVIEW

Bernard Cherkasov is Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and a nonprofit executive with more than a decade of experience advancing human rights, equity, and social justice. He previously served as National COO of Cradles to Crayons and as CEO of Equality Illinois, where he led successful campaigns for landmark civil rights legislation in Illinois. A former corporate lawyer, he brings to Adler’s board expertise in strategic leadership, operations, advocacy, and public policy, along with a deep commitment to the University’s vision of social interest and socially responsible practice. He holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard.