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JR Kerr

CEO @ Handshake

JR Kerr is the CEO of Handshake Partners, a boutique reputation management firm based in New York. He co-founded the company in June 2014, with a mission to help businesses grow through corporate social responsibility (CSR) positioning and partnership ecosystems, emphasizing a more human approach to corporate behavior.12

Background and Education

Kerr holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Taylor University and two master's degrees from Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, focusing on Communication, Cultural Engagement, and Theology.13 His career began in education and leadership roles before transitioning to social impact initiatives.

Professional Experience

Before establishing Handshake Partners, Kerr served as an advisor to the White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Obama. He has also held significant roles such as Director of Programming and Curation for Chicago Ideas Week and has collaborated with prominent organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum.23 Additionally, he founded various non-profit organizations aimed at addressing social issues, including Traffik Free, which combats human trafficking in Chicago.3

Personal Insights

Kerr's work is driven by a belief in the goodness of humanity and the importance of compelling narratives. He emphasizes that effective business practices should benefit not only the companies involved but also society at large. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his four children and playing tennis.23

Highlights

Nov 17 · linkedin

Last week, our team had the honor of joining forces with the Dicastery for Communication and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, alongside The Sustainable Markets Initiative, at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences for the "Care for our Common Home: Building & Communicating An Economy that Promotes Sustainability & Peace" roundtable and luncheon.   Together, we convened the Vatican, private sector leaders, and faith-based leaders, diplomats, journalists, authors, filmmakers, and artists, all united in our commitment to address the urgent call of Pope Francis to take “swift and unified global action” to address climate challenges, social exclusion, and extreme poverty. Pope Francis emphasizes, "Human-induced climate change is a scientific reality, and its decisive mitigation is a moral and religious imperative for humanity."   Leaders from Aon, Bank of America, S&P Global, and others shared insights on sustainable finance, energy transition, and the role of insurers in protecting vulnerable communities. The discussions highlighted the importance of communications in raising awareness and effecting change, emphasizing the need to avoid polarizing language and harness storytelling as a powerful tool for messaging.   The event featured "Changes," a photographic journey about climate change through the words of St. Francis. This exhibit, combining powerful photography with the words of Saint Francis, underscored the potency of art to inspire change.   As we approach #COP28 and #Davos2024, the private sector has an even greater opportunity to create a lasting impact. Let me know if you’re heading to these global convenings—I’m eager to hear your plans and explore how we can collaborate. Together, we can achieve a brighter, more sustainable, and just future.

Related Questions

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JR Kerr
JR Kerr, photo 1
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Location

New York, New York, United States