Brad Kessler serves as Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel. In this role, Brad participates as an executive leader for Academic Approach. Prior to joining Academic Approach’s leadership in 2015, Brad founded and served as Chief Financial Officer of a venture capital funded financial software company. He also previously served in several leadership roles within the city of Chicago, and he led the procurement and contracts department for Chicago Public Schools. Most recently, Brad served on the Local School Council of Lincoln Park High School, in which he chaired the Budget Committee and the Facilities Committee. Currently, Brad is also the elected Chair of the 18th District Police Council (in which he collaborates with the communities that range from Lincoln Park to Streeterville and the Chicago Police Department to increase the safety of residents).
Brad earned his Juris Doctorate at Northwestern University, graduating cum laude. He graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. In his free time, Bradley enjoys running, reading long biographies, spending time with his two young children, participating on various charitable boards, and mentoring early stage entrepreneurs.