Civic Leader Matthew Brewer Joins A Better Chicago’s Board of Directors

A Better Chicago, the city’s only venture philanthropy dedicated to expanding transformative opportunities for underserved youth, announced today that Matthew Brewer has joined its Board of Directors. Brewer, a South Side native, is Operating Chairman at the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), partner at Bartlit Beck LLP, and co-owner of Chicago’s legendary Wiener’s Circle. He brings a deep commitment to equity, leadership development, and civic engagement across Chicago.

Since its founding, A Better Chicago has invested over $83 million in Chicago’s most promising youth-focused nonprofits, using rigorous data analytics to identify and scale programs that deliver measurable results in education, career readiness, and life outcomes.

As Operating Chairman of the nation’s third-largest housing authority, he oversees the CHA’s operations and programs, advancing initiatives that provide affordable housing and opportunity for thousands of residents. At Bartlit Beck, he advises clients on strategic legal and business challenges.

A South Side Chicago native, Brewer has devoted his career to expanding opportunities across the city, particularly for young people. Having experienced firsthand the power of mentorship and networking in shaping his own success, he is driven to help level the playing field for future leaders. He is the founder and chairman of floChicago, where he supports young changemakers through transformative experiences that build equitable access to opportunity.

“Matt’s leadership and dedication to Chicago’s youth embody the mission of A Better Chicago, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our board,” said Beth Swanson, CEO of A Better Chicago. “He understands how access and opportunity can transform lives and is committed to ensuring more young people across our city can achieve their full potential.”

“In my own life, I have experienced the thin line between opportunity and struggle. The right opportunities at the right time can change a young person’s trajectory and place them on the better side of that thin line. That’s what A Better Chicago strives to do for the future of our city.” said Brewer.

Brewer earned his B.A. with honors from Stanford University, J.D. from Yale Law School, and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.