Jeffrey Bernstein, Individual Member
Campaign Statement
Building Bridges in U.S.-China Engagement:
I’ve built bridges across sectors: as the U.S. State of Ohio’s Official Representative in China, supporting U.S. exporters and Chinese investors; as founding Managing Director of the Penn Wharton China Center, fostering U.S.-China academic ties; and at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), establishing China’s first private AMC.
Bold Leadership – AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter and Healthcare Committee:
As the founding Chairman of AmCham China’s Southwest Chapter in Chengdu, I drove its rapid growth to nearly 50 members. As Co-Chair of the AmCham China Healthcare Committee, I united diverse healthcare sectors to advocate for healthcare innovation in China. My contributions to AmCham China build upon my experience in Shanghai, as a Board member, and ultimately, AmCham Shanghai Chairman.
Three Decades of Cultural and Economic Contribution in China:
Over 30 years in China, I’ve raised two sons and witnessed the country’s remarkable rise. As a pioneering American entrepreneur in Shanghai’s Wai Gao Qiao FTZ, preceding China’s WTO entry, I’ve built strong U.S.-China ties and driven initiatives that promote mutual understanding and create opportunities. Along the way, I’ve been recognized with Shanghai’s Magnolia Award as well as Chengdu’s Modern Citizen Award.
These experiences have solidified my belief in: AmCham’s power for policy advocacy, business collaboration, and personal transformation.
If elected, I will focus on:
- Expanding timely, data-driven advocacy: Launch flash surveys by region, sector, or key issue (e.g. cross-border data transfer) to deliver actionable insights for members and policymakers.
- Deepening U.S. engagement through direct exchange: Facilitate and host U.S. business and congressional delegations in China to connect with members and highlight the practical value of sustained engagement.
- Strengthening people-to-people connections: Serve as a hub linking members and partners for business forums, educational exchanges, and cultural programs that inspire the next generation of bridge builders.
I am committed to making AmCham a bridge that connects east and west—pragmatic, open, and forward-looking. I look forward to your ideas and feedback: jeffrey_bernstein@epidaurushealth.com.
Biography
Jeffrey Bernstein has lived and worked in China for over 30 years, building a career at the intersection of U.S. and Chinese business, healthcare, and education. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, he is recognized for bridging cultures and fostering trust-based collaboration between leading institutions and enterprises in both countries.
He currently serves as Chairman and President of Epidaurus Advisors, an American firm supporting U.S.–China investment and strategic partnerships, and as CEO of Bernstein & Gridelli Healthcare Advisors, a Swiss-based company helping emerging markets develop modern clinical service lines in partnership with top academic medical centers across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Jeffrey began his career at McKinsey & Company in Washington, D.C., contributing to the firm’s early expansion in Korea and China. He later served as Senior Vice President, International and Managing Director for China at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he led the $2.2-billion Wanda–UPMC hospital development partnership. He also served as the Founding Managing Director of the Penn Wharton China Center in Beijing, which was awarded the University of Pennsylvania’s “Project of the Year.”
A Wharton graduate, Jeffrey has chaired AmCham organizations in Shanghai and Southwest China, and has been recognized with the Silver Magnolia Award (Shanghai) and the Modern Citizen Award (Chengdu) for his long-standing contributions to U.S.–China business and community development.