Meet the Staff

Hailey Blair, Visual Arts ’20. Fractures. 2020, Sculpture.

FY26 Foundation Team

The Foundation’s final team was deeply rooted in the ChiArts community. Together, they raised philanthropic support for ChiArts’ five arts conservatories, alumni and community programs, and marketing and communications initiatives. Each team member brought unique expertise, passion for the arts, and a commitment to expanding opportunities for young artists—reflecting the creativity, collaboration, and dedication that defined the ChiArts community

Johnny Merrifield

Executive Director

Greer Hutchison

Executive Coordinator, ChiArts ’15

Natasha Mraz

Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Karina Quintana

Programs Manager

Keenan Dava

Content Marketing Manager

Jo Marie Sison*

Grants Coordinator

Megan Sauve*

Database Administrator

*Previous Part-Time Employee

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The ChiArts Foundation was the philanthropic partner of The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and was dedicated to supporting and nurturing arts education opportunities for current, future, and former students of the School. Its work sustained ChiArts’ Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts conservatories.

The ChiArts Foundation provided opportunities for employees to bring new ideas to the forefront. By joining the ChiArts community, staff connected with hundreds of artists and leaders who shared a commitment to uplifting diversity, equity, and the next generation of leaders. The Foundation and School’s partnership provided Foundation staff with the best of both worlds: a small and mighty remote team where everyone was a thought leader, and a School where the possibilities for in-person creative collaboration were endless.

The Foundation team valued adaptability and accessibility, recognizing that everyone learned and grew in different ways.

The Foundation welcomed applications from individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from historically marginalized communities. ChiArts Foundation valued inclusivity and diverse perspectives and encouraged candidates to apply even if their experience did not align perfectly with every qualification listed for a role.

ChiArts Foundation was an equal-opportunity employer. In all areas of employment, the Foundation applied this policy in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. ChiArts began as part of a commitment to greater diversity among Chicago’s arts and cultural institutions, and the Foundation continued that mission by fostering holistic diversity at all levels, including among staff and the Board of Directors. The organization embraced and upheld the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance.

ChiArts Foundation offered a comprehensive benefits and insurance package including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, disability, employee assistance program, flex spending account, and 403(b).

The Foundation closed operations on June 30, 2026.