Robert "Bob" Jesenik
As a first generation American of immigrants from Austria (via Canada), my sister and I were raised with a strong work ethic and to be grateful for whatever we had, whether much or little. That's been my approach with my family, career, and various education and non-profit organizations I've served over the years.
Today I'm very blessed to have a supporting, loving partner, two amazing children with equally incredible partners in life, and now two beautiful granddaughters as well. All the adult kids are in their early 30's and continuing their life’s journey pursuing career, family, and serving others in their own way.
Thankfully in 1994 I became a Christian and have worshipped Jesus Christ as my Savior ever since. HE has helped shape me in many positive ways, and regrettably, I've disappointed Him and my family and friends with my behavior that resulted in my incarceration at FCI Lompoc in Central California.
Thankfully, I know HE forgives me, which in turn has helped me forgive both myself and others for being in this predicament. Meeting Derek Bluford and helping create A Better Tomorrow is evidence to me that God has me here for a reason, and I try hard each and every day to follow His will in making ABT all that it can be to serve both offenders and our country's veterans, as well as fellow inmates.
Career Path
I’m pleased that throughout my 35+ year career, I've prioritized serving others, especially students and those less fortunate, some of which are:
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Special Olympics Oregon - Board Member, 8 years, Chairman 3 years
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University of Oregon Lundquist School of Business Advisory Board Member- 6 Years
- Co founder of Financial Analysis Security Center as a Center of Excellence for MBA Students
- Our firm created similar work/college scholarship program as US Bank program
- Numerous Guest Speaking/In Office Student Mentoring Days
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Teamed with two other families to found Pacific Northwest Academy, a K-8 school which grew to 100+ students with emphasis on academics, small class size and community/giveback
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Board Member of Be Undivided- a faith based non-profit (formed our congregation at Southlake Church, West Linn, Oregon) focused on creating a model for churches nationally to adopt an inner city high school and bringing resources and mentoring to assist the community- We adopted Roosevelt High School in Portland Ore. which led to incredible life changing impact on students and a new $75mm building!
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Advisor to Union Gospel Mission Portland - Assisted them in in buying their current location using New Market Tax Credits to reduce construction costs by 40%
My Journey
My career has spanned initially earning a full ride scholarship/undergraduate education from US Bank, where I worked as a credit analyst on the bank’s largest loans, to CFO of several technology startups over a 10-year span. During this time, I earned an MBA from the University of Portland as well. Then I was fortunate to start financial advisory firm in 1993 with two partners, which evolved into a private credit and private equity asset management firm beginning in the early 2000's, when I came CEO serving until 2016 when our regulatory issues consumed the firm. With over 150 employees, and significant assets under management, I was responsible for overseeing the ideation, creation, and distribution of the firms fund products, overall culture and training, and the firm/'employee philanthropy programs. From time to time, I had to also serve as CEO of some of our Private Equity portfolio firms.
I'm excited about the ABT launch and potential of its impact on both veterans and offenders, hopefully which will utilize and benefit from my experience in business and non-profits over the past 35+ years!