Arts Alliance Illinois

Ra Joy, Executive Director
Jackie Banks-Mahlum, Development Assistant
Cynthia Frahm, Membership and Development Director
Julie Griffin, Operations and HR Director
Brian Inman, Policy and Research Director
Jess Kaswiner, Arts & Education Exchange Program Manager
Scarlett Swerdlow, Advocacy and Communications Director

Ra Joy, Executive Director

"I have more than 15 years experience as an advocate, community organizer, and coalition builder. As executive director, I set and implement the organization's strategic goals, manage its operations, and serve as a principal spokesperson. Prior to joining Arts Alliance Illinois, I served as a top aide to U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky. I was a fellow in the Leadership Greater Chicago's class of 2005, serve on the board of directors for Mikva Challenge, and was recently appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to serve as a member of the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council."

Read Ra Joy's full bio.

joy@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x14 | @ra_joy | blog

Jackie Banks-Mahlum, Development Assistant

"I assist in the development, membership, and general operations of Arts Alliance Illinois. I received my B.S. from Bradley University in theatre production and business management and my M.F.A. from the California Institute of the Arts in producing."

Contact me about:

• Membership opportunities
• Donor name recognition
• Upcoming events, including fundraisers
• Scheduling meetings

banks@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x10

Cynthia Frahm, Membership and Development Director

"I joined Arts Alliance Illinois in 2011 after serving as director of development at Chicago Dramatists and AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. I oversee membership and fundraising, including foundation, corporate, and government grants; individual giving; and special events. I also serve on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Contact me about:

• Membership opportunities
• Donor opportunities
• Upcoming events, including fundraisers
• Foundation support and partnerships
• Corporate sponsorship
• Association of Fundraising Professionals / Chicago

frahm@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x12

Julie Griffin, Operations and HR Director

"I handle all back-office operations and HR activities at Arts Alliance Illinois. I have been a freelance musician in the Chicago area for 25 years."

Contact me about:

• Bill or payment information
• Publication sales
• Internships
• Job openings
• Other related office and staffing inquiries

griffin@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x16

Brian Inman, Policy and Research Director

"I coordinate all Arts Alliance Illinois research initiatives and use new and existing data to illustrate the state of the arts sector in Illinois. I received my B.A. in film / video from Columbia College Chicago and my M.P.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I currently serve on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Human and Community Development Committee."

Contact me about:

• All Arts Alliance Illinois research initiatives
• The Arts & Economic Prosperity study
• The Illinois Cultural Data Project (IL CDP)
• The Cultural Vitality Indicators (CVI) project
• Local and state arts policies

inman@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x11

Jess Kaswiner, Arts & Education Exchange Program Manager

"I help connect the arts and education communities and serve as the point person for the Arts & Education Exchange. Through my work in the community -- serving on the junior board of Urban Gateways, participating in the Chicago Emerging Leaders Network, and producing a podcast series 'Artists Mean Business' -- I remain active in the nonprofit and creative sectors."

Contact me about:

• Questions, support, or comments about the Arts & Education Exchange
• Opportunities in the field of arts education
• Resources to help your practice as an arts educator

kaswiner@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x15

Scarlett Swerdlow, Advocacy and Communications Director

"I inform Arts Alliance Illinois supporters about issues that impact the arts sector, mobilize people to take action in support of the arts and arts education, and cultivate relationships with elected officials and other decision-makers. I served on the Americans for the Arts Emerging Leaders Council and am a member of their Local Arts Classroom faculty."

Contact me about:

• Getting involved in advocacy
• Advocacy dos and don'ts
• Our e-list, website, and social media
• Press inquiries
• The Local Arts Network

swerdlow@artsalliance.org | 312.855.3105 x13