Meet our Staff

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

Tina Boyer Brown, ChiArts Executive Director sitting alongside Johnny Merrifield, ChiArts Foundation Executive Director

Announcing Johnny Merrifield as Executive Director

On January 8, 2024, the ChiArts Foundation Board enthusiastically announced Johnny Merrifield as the Foundation’s Executive Director.


Headshot of Johnny Merrifield

Johnny Merrifield

Executive Director
Headshot of Greer Hutchison

Greer Hutchison

Executive Coordinator, ChiArts ’15
Headshot of Karina Quintana

Karina Quintana

Programs Manager
Headshot of Ericka Henderson

Ericka Henderson*

Program Communications Intern, ChiArts ’15
Headshot of Natasha Mraz

Natasha Mraz

Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
Headshot of Keenan Dava

Keenan Dava

Content Marketing Manager
Headshot of Jo Marie Sison

Jo Marie Sison*

Grants Coordinator
Headshot of Megan Sauve

Megan Sauve*

Database Administrator

*Part-Time Employee

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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

The ChiArts Foundation offers ample opportunities for employees to bring new ideas to the forefront. When you join the ChiArts community, you connect with hundreds of artists and leaders who all share missions of uplifting diversity, equity, and the next generation of leaders. The Foundation and School’s partnership provides the Foundation staff with the best of both worlds: a small and mighty remote team where everyone is a thought leader and a School where the possibilities of in-person creative collaboration are endless. As ChiArts approaches its 15th anniversary and the Foundation celebrates its third, staff continue to build off of the brilliant minds that came before them while transitioning the Foundation into its next growth phase. The Foundation team prides itself on adaptability and accessibility, understanding that everyone learns and grows in different ways.

ChiArts Foundation staff work remotely in Chicago, with the potential for a future transition to a hybrid model. All roles require availability for onsite presence at The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) and other locations in Chicago as required for meetings and events. 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially those from marginalized communities. At ChiArts Foundation, we value inclusivity and diverse perspectives. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed on a role, we still encourage you to apply!

ChiArts Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. In all areas of employment, the Foundation applies this policy by applicable federal, state, and local laws. ChiArts began as part of a quest for greater diversity among Chicago’s arts and cultural institutions, and the Foundation continues that mission by building holistic diversity at all levels, including staff and the board of directors. Our organization embraces and carries into effect the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance.

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

There are no current openings.

A group of students with their arms up in a pose during a dance recital

Our family of supporters

Thank you to all who have given to ChiArts. Your support makes our work possible.