Jason Friedman

Jason Friedman is the President and CEO of The Cradle, a nonprofit adoption agency based in Evanston, Illinois. He assumed this role in January 2022.12 Here are some key details about Jason Friedman:

Professional Background

• Prior to joining The Cradle, Friedman served as the Executive Director of iMentor Chicago, a nonprofit connecting high school students in low-income communities with volunteer mentors.14

• He has held senior leadership roles in Chicago and Washington D.C. nonprofits, including positions in development and communications at organizations like One Hope United and The SEED Foundation.14

• Friedman started his career as a TV news reporter, and his work was recognized with the National Edward R. Murrow Award.1

Education and Board Membership

• He holds a BA in Political Science and Journalism from Emory University.14

• Friedman is a member of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) Board of Directors.1

Personal Connection to The Cradle

Jason Friedman has a personal connection to The Cradle:

• He and his wife, PBS Chicago Tonight host Brandis Friedman, have two children - Blake and Miles.13

• Their son Miles was adopted through The Cradle, spending his first weeks in the Cradle Nursery.3

• Friedman describes his role as CEO of The Cradle as "a true full-circle moment" for him and his family.12

Leadership at The Cradle

As President and CEO, Friedman is responsible for leading The Cradle into its second century of operation. The organization has facilitated over 16,000 domestic and international adoptions since its founding in 1923 and is known for being at the forefront of open adoption, African American infant adoption, and LGBTQ+ placements.15