Oppenheimer's Deputy General Counsel Awarded President's Volunteer Service Award

Learn about Project DYNAMO and the efforts of Jack McGuire, Deputy General Counsel at Oppenheimer. Recently honored with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his fundraising endeavors, Jack and his bandmates from Exile on Broad Street are hosting another event for Project DYNAMO on Thursday, May 2nd, near the firm’s headquarters in Hanover Square, New York City. Continue reading for more details on the event and Jack’s involvement with Project DYNAMO.

Project DYNAMO emerged in response to the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan, led by U.S. Army and Navy combat tour veteran Lt. Commander Bryan Stern. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Project DYNAMO operates within challenging areas where government access is limited, striving to make a difference where it's needed most.

To date, Project DYNAMO has rescued nearly 7,000 individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, Sudan, Russia, and even provided aid during Hurricane Ian in the Ft. Myers area. Currently, Bryan and his team are engaged in “Operation: RUM RUNNER,” a direct response to the war-zone in Haiti, where he is working to get Americans and missionaries out of Haiti and bring them to Florida.

Jack, a close friend of Bryan, joined the cause from its inception. He recalls the urgent call from Bryan at Reagan National Airport, en route to Kabul under Taliban control, seeking aid in rescuing those left behind. “Bryan essentially asked me to look after his affairs if the worst happened. During that initial phase he somehow was able to secure 6 planes and negotiated directly with the Taliban to allow those planes to depart from Mazar-i-Sharif Airport,” says Jack. “All of this was done on donations from people who heard about this incredible effort. I felt that the least I could do was start some fundraising efforts, and talk about Project DYNAMO on social media and other outlets to spread the word and help raise funds.”

As a key contributor to Project DYNAMO’s fundraising initiatives, Jack leverages personal networks and resources to bolster the organization's mission. This includes the support from his dedicated bandmates from Exile on Broad Street: Oppenheimer Asset Management’s Chief Strategist (and lead Guitarist) John Stoltzfus, Senior Director in Corporate Marketing (and Bass Guitarist) Sam Mann, and former Managing Director and Counsel (and Vocalist) Diana Sur. The band has an upcoming fundraising performance, in honor of Project DYNAMO, on May 2nd from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Queen Elizabeth II 9/11 Memorial Garden in New York City. There is no admission fee and all donations go directly to the cause. Click here to learn more.

In a fitting testament to Jack's commitment to service, he was recently honored with the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award. This accolade serves as a poignant reminder of Jack's dedication to Project DYNAMO’S important cause and underscores the profound impact of their contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide.

As we navigate through a world fraught with challenges, individuals like Jack and Bryan inspire us to stand together, united in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. Click here to learn more about Project DYNAMO and here to read more about Jack’s efforts with the organization.