Gerald Beeson ’90

Gerald A. Beeson ’90 is the Chief Operating Officer of Citadel, a global alternative investment firm. He joined the company in 1993 while completing his undergraduate degree and was one of its earliest employees. Rising through the ranks, Gerald became Citadel’s Chief Financial Officer and was later appointed COO in 2008. Today, he leads the firm’s key corporate functions across the globe and serves on its influential Portfolio Committee.

A proud Marist graduate, Gerald earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from DePaul University, with concentrations in Accountancy and Finance, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a registered CPA in the state of Illinois.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gerald is deeply committed to education and civic engagement. He serves on the Board of Trustees at DePaul University, where he is also a former Board Chair, and is co-Vice Chair of the Big Shoulders Fund, supporting Chicago’s Catholic schools. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Board of Directors at Marist High School, and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago. His national leadership was recognized through his selection as a Henry Crown Fellow within the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network.

In 2023, Gerald was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at Marist’s A Night of Honor, Glory, and Fame gala, a celebration of graduates who exemplify excellence, service, and leadership. His journey from RedHawk to global financial executive stands as a powerful example of the lifelong impact of a Marist education.