Jeremy “Jerry” M. Jacobs, Jr. holds the esteemed position of Chief Executive Officer at Delaware North, a global powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Adding to his multifaceted role, he also serves as an alternate governor for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League (NHL), sharing both titles with his brothers, Lou and Charlie Jacobs.
Delaware North stands as a family-owned, global leader, making its mark across diverse sectors of hospitality. Their operations span food and retail services in airports and sports venues, comprehensive hospitality services at iconic parks and major tourist destinations, hotel ownership and management, gaming ventures, premier dining and catering experiences, and the ownership and management of top-tier sports facilities. A significant milestone for the company was the construction of the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts in 1995. This multi-purpose arena quickly became the home of both the Bruins and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Over the last quarter-century, TD Garden has continually evolved, cementing its status as one of the most innovative and highly regarded venues in North America.
Headquartered globally in Buffalo, New York, Delaware North and the Jacobs family are deeply respected for their enduring support of the University at Buffalo, a flagship institution within the State University of New York system. In a significant gesture of recognition for the Jacobs family’s extensive decades of philanthropic contributions, the university proudly named its medical school the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2015. Recently, the family further demonstrated their commitment by contributing $30 million towards the construction of the medical school’s new, cutting-edge building in downtown Buffalo. The Jacobs family’s dedication extends to medical innovation through the establishment of the Jacobs Institute, a center focused on accelerating advancements in vascular medicine device development.
Philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the values of the Jacobs family and Delaware North. They are significant contributors to numerous non-profit organizations across Western New York, the United States, and globally. Jerry actively serves on the Scholarship Board for Say Yes Buffalo, an organization dedicated to improving high school and postsecondary education completion rates for students within the City of Buffalo, reflecting a commitment to local community development and future career pathways. His past service includes membership on Georgetown University’s Board of Regents and volunteering as an alumnus interviewer, showcasing his long-standing engagement with educational institutions.
Jerry’s dedication extends to over two decades of volunteer service with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. He has held past chairmanships of both the board of directors and the annual fundraising campaign, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to community welfare. Additionally, he served as past chair of the Nichols School’s Board of Trustees, where he established the Jacobs Scholars program, aimed at supporting high-achieving students with financial needs, further emphasizing his focus on educational opportunities and career advancement for promising individuals.
Jerry is actively involved in a wide range of business and civic organizations, contributing his expertise and leadership. He previously served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board until 2015, and in 2018, he was appointed to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. He is an engaged member of the U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable and the Partnership for New York City, further solidifying his influence in national business and travel sectors.
Academically, Jerry holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Georgetown University, reflecting a strong foundation in business and leadership principles. It was at the University of Pennsylvania that he met his wife, Alice Jacobs, who earned a J.D. degree. Alice is currently chair emerita of the Western New York Women’s Foundation, president of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Board of Directors, and a board member for the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, highlighting her significant contributions to the Western New York community.
Jerry and Alice make their home in East Aurora, New York, and are the parents of two children, Melissa and Justin. Through his leadership at Delaware North and his extensive philanthropic endeavors, Jerry Jacobs, Jr. exemplifies a commitment to both business excellence and community enrichment, shaping the future of hospitality and making a lasting positive impact.
