Harry Kraemer: Kellogg School of Management Professor, Former CEO of Baxter

Becoming a Legacy Leader: Living out faith-based values every single day, at work and in life

Harry Kraemer traded in his job as CEO of Baxter International for teaching values-based leadership at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where he has been named Professor of the year. Teaching both young MBA students and those decades into management, his message is the same: Self-reflect. Ask yourself what is your purpose, what do you stand for, what really matters? Are you actually living out those values? If not, why not?

While being very respectful of those with other faiths or no faith at all, Kraemer tells his students that his Catholic faith impacts everything he does.

Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 @ 5 pm

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$57 for Members**

$67 for Non-Members**

$670 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**

(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)

.**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click HERE.

When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:

• Any dietary requirements
• A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
• A request for a hearing assistance kit

More on Harry Kraemer

Harry joined Baxter in 1982 as director of corporate development. His twenty-three year career at Baxter included senior positions in both domestic and international operations. In 1993, he was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, responsible for financial operations, business development, global communications, and European operations. In 1997, he was named president of Baxter International Inc. and became Baxter’s chief executive officer in January 1999. He assumed the additional responsibility of chairman of Baxter’s board of directors in January 2000.

Harry is active in business, education, and civic affairs. He currently serves on the board of directors of Leidos Corporation, Option Care Health, and Performance Health, and on the board of trustees of Northwestern University, The Conference Board, Endeavor Health System, and the Archdiocese of Chicago Finance Committee and School Board.

Harry graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University of Wisconsin in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. He received an MBA degree in finance and accounting from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1979 and is a certified public accountant. Harry enjoys jogging, tennis, skiing, and reading, especially world civilization. Harry, his wife Julie, and their five children live in Wilmette, Illinois

For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email ffcc@firstfridayclubchicago.org or visit our website at www.firstfridayclubchicago.org

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LUNCHEON LOCATION:

This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Lincoln Ballroom on the 6th floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the iParkit Phone App in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station.