CHIARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP: JOHNNY MERRIFIELD PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

CHIARTS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP: JOHNNY MERRIFIELD PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


CHICAGO – The Board of Directors of the ChiArts Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), proudly announces that Johnny Merrifield, an advancement industry veteran and the Foundation’s current Director of Development and Marketing, has been promoted to the head role of Executive Director, leading the Foundation in its commitment to accessible arts education. Merrifield started at ChiArts in 2019 under the leadership of the Foundation’s previous President, José Ochoa, who, after 15 years of dedicated service to the ChiArts community, was recently appointed to serve as President and CEO of the National Museum of Mexican Art. ChiArts Foundation will conduct a search for a new Director of Development this winter.


With this transition and since its origin, ChiArts Foundation continues to fulfill its mission that novice talent should have access to the opportunity and training to thrive, no matter their previous exposure to arts education or income. Founded in 2021, the ChiArts Foundation is the philanthropic partner of The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), and raises the funds needed to sustain ChiArts' five privately-funded arts conservatories in a public school setting, allowing ChiArts to champion an accessible arts education model for Chicago's youth. The Foundation steadfastly believes that emerging talent deserves every opportunity to thrive, regardless of prior exposure to arts education or income level.


Merrifield shares, “I am truly honored for the opportunity to lead as the Executive Director at the ChiArts Foundation. ChiArts is a transformative space for so many Chicago students thanks to José’s founding vision and the collective efforts of supporters, educators, and leaders who continue to bring that vision to life. In partnership with the school’s Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown, our dedicated boards, and the entire ChiArts community, I am committed to ensuring ChiArts has the resources to thrive for years to come.”


Merrifield is a seasoned professional in the non-profit sector, particularly in fundraising and development, with a focus on arts and education. Since 2009, he has been actively involved in serving various non-profit organizations in Chicago. His career in fundraising began at Victory Gardens Theatre (VGT) and later, Adler Planetarium, aligning his efforts with the Women's Board to bolster funding for Adler’s educational programs. His journey then led him to Marwen, where he spent seven years dedicated to its mission of empowering young people through art and community, holding many fundraising roles leading to Director of Development.


In 2019, Merrifield joined ChiArts as the Director of Development and Marketing. He has raised significant revenue to support the school's privately funded arts conservatories, established new funder partnerships, expanded marketing and PR capabilities, and was instrumental in launching the ChiArts Foundation as the philanthropic partner of ChiArts in 2021. He continued to serve as the Director of Development and Marketing at the ChiArts Foundation, until assuming his current role as Executive Director at the end of 2023. ChiArts Foundation Board Chair Mirja Spooner Haffner shares, “I hold immense gratitude and admiration for the 15 years José has dedicated to ChiArts. Building on an already strong foundation and inspiring legacy, Johnny's vision and leadership skills are set to continue this momentum and elevate the Foundation to new heights of success and impact for ChiArts.”


Under Merrifield’s direction, and in partnership with the school and its leadership, the Foundation is committed to ensuring ChiArts’ private-funded music, theatre, dance, creative writing, and visual arts programs continue to create equitable access to arts education alongside the School’s public-funded traditional academic offerings. The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown shares, "As we welcome Johnny as the new Executive Director of the Foundation, I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to collaborating to ensure a bright and sustainable future for ChiArts."


To learn more and connect with the ChiArts Foundation, visit chiartsfoundation.org.


ChiArts Foundation was established in January 2021 to support arts education opportunities for, and inspire and nurture current, future, and former students of The Chicago High School for the Arts. The Foundation’s key objectives are to provide annual support for the High School’s Arts Conservatories; create a fund to ensure the sustainability of the Arts Conservatories; raise the School’s profile and support outreach through partnerships, and marketing and public relations activities; and increase engagement and build community. The Foundation fosters artistic engagement for prospective ChiArts students through its annual Summer Camp in partnership with the School. ChiArts Foundation also supports current students and alumni in their future paths through professional development, postsecondary planning, and partnerships with a variety of arts organizations. For more general information about the ChiArts Foundation, visit ChiArts Foundation’s website at chiartsfoundation.org or on LinkedIn.

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