Jeremy “Jerry” M. Jacobs, Jr. stands as a prominent figure in the global hospitality industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North. Alongside his CEO responsibilities, he also holds the title of alternate governor for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League (NHL), sharing these roles with his brothers, Lou and Charlie Jacobs. For individuals considering their path in the 2019 career discovery internship program, understanding the trajectory of leaders like Jacobs offers invaluable insights into diverse career possibilities and the impact of strategic leadership.
Delaware North, under the leadership of the Jacobs family, operates as a global hospitality powerhouse. Their diverse portfolio spans food and retail services in airports and sports venues, comprehensive hospitality services at parks and tourist hotspots, hotel ownership and management, gaming ventures, and fine dining experiences. A landmark achievement for Delaware North was the construction of the TD Garden in Boston in 1995. This multi-purpose arena, home to both the Bruins and the Boston Celtics (NBA), has continually evolved over the past 25 years, establishing itself as a leading venue in North America. For a 2019 Career Discovery Internship Program Candidate, the scale and variety of operations at Delaware North represent the vast landscape of opportunities within the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
The Jacobs family’s commitment extends beyond business success to significant philanthropic endeavors, particularly in Buffalo, N.Y., where Delaware North’s global headquarters are located. Their long-standing support for the University at Buffalo led to the institution naming its medical school the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2015. This recognition highlights decades of family philanthropy, further cemented by a $30 million contribution towards the construction of the medical school’s new downtown Buffalo building. Additionally, the family founded the Jacobs Institute, a medical innovation hub focused on advancing vascular medicine. Aspiring professionals in the 2019 career discovery internship program can draw inspiration from this blend of business acumen and community commitment, recognizing the potential to make a societal impact alongside professional achievements.
Jerry Jacobs Jr.’s personal dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with numerous non-profit organizations. He serves on the Scholarship Board for Say Yes Buffalo, an organization focused on improving graduation rates in Buffalo. His past roles include serving on Georgetown University’s Board of Regents and volunteering as an alumnus interviewer. His extensive volunteer work with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, including past chairmanships, and his leadership as past chair of the Nichols School’s Board of Trustees, where he established the Jacobs Scholars program, exemplify a commitment to giving back. For a 2019 career discovery internship program candidate, Jacobs’ engagement underscores the importance of civic responsibility and the potential for business leaders to drive positive change.
Jacobs’ influence extends into broader business and civic spheres. He has served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. His active membership in the U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable and the Partnership for New York City demonstrates his engagement at the highest levels of industry and civic leadership. Observing such broad involvement can be particularly instructive for a 2019 career discovery internship program candidate, illustrating the diverse avenues for leadership and influence available to those with a strong professional foundation.
Academically, Jerry Jacobs Jr. holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Georgetown University. His wife, Alice Jacobs, whom he met at the University of Pennsylvania, holds a J.D. and is actively involved in community leadership roles, including chair emerita of the Western New York Women’s Foundation and president of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Board of Directors. The Jacobs family resides in East Aurora, New York, and includes two children, Melissa and Justin. For anyone in the 2019 career discovery internship program, the combined achievements of Jerry and Alice Jacobs showcase the potential for impactful careers and community leadership, serving as a compelling model for future success.
