CHICAGO – TAWANI Enterprises, Inc. today announced John Schwan as the interim president and chief executive officer of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, following the departure of Kenneth Clarke who served in the position since 2011. Schwan begins his new role January 29, 2018.
Schwan, who is currently chairman of CTI Industries and a board member of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, will continue to serve in that capacity while he is with the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.
“We are thrilled that John has agreed to serve during this transitional capacity at such a critical time for the Museum and Library. He is a highly effective, accomplished leader with a proven track record of delivering strong results,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), CEO of TAWANI Enterprises, Inc. and founder and chair of the Museum and Library. “John has deep knowledge and appreciation of military history and affairs. Most importantly, he understands our mission and has a clear passion for developing inventive programs, creative audience-building strategies and a vision for moving the museum forward as we enter the next phase of our growth.”
As chairman of CTI Industries, Schwan oversaw the company’s IPO and played a key role in its expansion into Europe and Latin America, and growth into the medical services and food packaging industries. Schwan is an investor in a variety of business startups, including Old Smokehouse, Inc., JHSWW LLC, USA Athletic Club, Everede Tool Productions.
Schwan is a patron of the Schwan Lecture Series at North Park University. He is a principal benefactor and adviser of Operation Support our Troops USA, an active sponsor of Chicago 502 and a past post commander of the American Legion Post at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Schwan is a veteran of Vietnam (1966-1969) where he served with the First Air Cavalry and attended OCS at Fort Benning. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Air Medal, two Bronze Stars with V for Valor device, and a Purple Heart. Schwan is active in the Sheridan First
Cavalry Chapter and is involved in several other veteran-related organizations in the Midwest. He also actively recruits veterans for employment opportunities, supports Chicagoland ROTC programs and organizations that locally help families of veterans. He is a founding member of Chicagoland Veteran’s Exchange.
Schwan is a graduate of Lane Tech High School and North Park University in Chicago.
“I am proud to join the Pritzker Military Museum and Library whose work reflects the importance of advancing the knowledge about our military history throughout the world,” said Schwan. “As a board member and supporter of the Museum and Library, I am no stranger to the impressive work the team has accomplished. I am honored to be entrusted with the leadership of this dynamic museum, its mission, talented staff and dedicated board, and contributing to its historical narrative.”
The Pritzker Military Museum and Library will continue to search for a new permanent President and CEO.
For more information about the Pritzker Military Museum and Library and its programs, collections and exhibits, visit www.pritzkermilitary.org.