Chicago, IL

Larry J. Wert is the President and General Manager of NBC5 News (WMAQ-TV) and Telemundo (WSNS-TV) affiliates in Chicago. He is credited with providing the Chicago Division with invaluable support during the past year. He has assisted the Chicago Field Office in providing media relations seminars to FBI employees at the WMAQ-TV station and has offered tours of their new studios to seminar participants.

Mr. Wert has also been instrumental in developing a weekly program on Telemundo, the local Spanish language television network, entitled, “Unsolved Crimes,” which highlights fugitives and serial bank robbers for the Hispanic community of Chicago.

A graduate of the 2004 Citizens’ Academy Program, Mr. Wert has contributed to the success of the FBI’s 100th anniversary celebration in Chicago by supporting the numerous events held in Chicago to commemorate this momentous event.

At NBC5, Wert leads the NBC5/Telemundo Chicago enterprise. Under his leadership, the country’s first bilingual newsroom was unveiled in 2002. In addition, in December, 2003, he led the launch of Chicago’s first street-side television studio, now known as Studio 5.

Wert is a member of several local charities and organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Brittle Bone Foundation, Catholic Charities, Chicago Chamber of Commerce, and the 100 Club. He is a member of the Governing Board of Gilda’s Club of Chicago, and a member of the Advisory Council for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Greater Chicago Division. He is an Honorary Board and Nominating Committee Member of RAINBOWS, an organization that helps children cope with loss. Wert also sits on the IBA Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees for Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois.