The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing American scientific and technological leadership, today announced the election of Hertz Fellow Jordan Chetty to its board of directors as an early-career board member.
Chetty earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, where he specialized in the fabrication of neural interfaces, devices that enable the study and modulation of brain activity. Driven by boundless curiosity, he has built a career that has so far ranged from creating his own startup to building large-scale systems at Meta. Recently, he joined global investment firm Citadel as software engineer.
As an early-career board member, Chetty has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to cultivating the Hertz Community—from hosting regional gatherings in New York and Boston to inviting other early-career fellows to support the Hertz Foundation MAKE HISTORY fundraising campaign through a generous match he announced at the 2025 Hertz Foundation Summer Workshop.
“Jordan possesses a keen awareness of the power of networks, and a bold vision for expanding the impact of the Hertz Community,” said Stephen Fantone, chair of the Hertz Foundation Board of Directors. “His ability to connect people and ideas will be invaluable as we imagine the future of the foundation.”
Chetty is particularly passionate about being accessible to early-career fellows, as a way to pay forward the mentorship he has received from later-career fellows. He notes a deep appreciation for the ongoing counsel of Hertz Fellows Max Mankin and Alfred Spector. And he credits the counsel of Fellow Kevin Bowers for giving Chetty the clarity he needed to make his next career move.
“I envision the Hertz Foundation as a central hub that connects fellows to critical resources. I want to help remove barriers and unlock potential.”
“Community and collaboration are essential to the development of ideas in science and technology,” said Wendy Connors, president of the Hertz Foundation. “Jordan’s leadership in championing the Hertz Community will strengthen the support and opportunities available to our fellows.”
Chetty will begin his term this month, joining two other new board members: Hertz Fellow Kevin Bowers, chief science officer and head of research and development at Jump Trading; and Sri Kosaraju, former chief executive officer at Inscripta.
Interview with Jordan Chetty
We sat down with Chetty to learn more about his work and what he hopes to contribute to the organization.
What specifically are you working on right now that’s most exciting to you?
Chetty: My journey has been driven by a desire to understand “how the sausage is made” in a variety of scenarios—what makes a startup successful? How do large firms like Meta operate? And now, at Citadel, I’m excited to understand better how financial systems work. I am always learning. My ultimate goal is to use the capital, connections, and insights I’ve gained to help others succeed—to be a lever for their success.
What inspires you to contribute your valuable time to the Hertz Foundation?
Chetty: Thanks to the mentorship of fellows like Kevin Bowers, Max Mankin, and Alfred Spector, the Hertz Fellowship has been the single biggest accelerant of my career—I like to say it’s added 15 years to my cognitive age. I’m eager to give back. And I’m honored for the chance to help shape the direction of the Foundation. I see an opportunity to connect Citadel and the Hertz Foundation, both of which are in the business of making bold bets—the Hertz Foundation on people; Citadel on companies, industries, and nations.
What unique insights or perspectives do you bring to the board?
Chetty: I’m excited to share my energy and ideas about community engagement. My goal is to inspire others to organize, expand our reach, and broaden the tent—to make space in the community for individuals who may not be fellows but share similar characteristics. I envision the Hertz Foundation as a central hub that connects fellows to critical resources. I want to help remove barriers and unlock potential.
Why is the Hertz Foundation important for the future of science and technology?
Chetty: I believe the Hertz Foundation is the single most concentrated group of talented scientists and technologists in the world—its “talent density” is unmatched. It plays a crucial role in providing the resources and connections these individuals need to have the biggest impact possible. And that impact extends far beyond individual careers, influencing the future of science and technology on a global scale.
What advice would you give to the newest class of Hertz fellows?
Chetty: You’re now part of an incredibly powerful, successful, and well-connected group of people who thrive on mutual support and want you to succeed—take full advantage of that. Reach out. Share your thinking. Ask for help. I think most Hertz fellows get immense joy from helping others succeed.
About the Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation is the nation’s preeminent nonprofit organization committed to advancing American scientific and technological leadership. For more than 60 years, it has stood as an unwavering pillar of independent support through the renowned Hertz Fellowship, cultivating a multidisciplinary network of innovators whose work has positively impacted millions of lives. Learn more at hertzfoundation.org.
