Staff
| Claire Rice leads the visioning, development and implementation of all programs and initiatives of Arts Alliance Illinois. Rice previously served as the national director of Sustain Arts at Harvard University, a project providing free access to meaningful data on arts and cultural activity, successfully launched in three US regions to date. She began her arts career at the internationally renowned performing arts presenter UMS in Ann Arbor, where she served as director of education. While there, she produced a monthlong residency with the Royal Shakespeare Company, among the largest projects in the 131-year history of UMS, and was associate producer for the Naxos recording of William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, recognized in 2006 with four Grammy Awards. In 2010, Rice was published as a contributing author of 20UNDER40, a collection of innovative ideas addressing challenges faced by the arts sector. Rice came to the arts after six years working with federal and state-level clients in Washington, DC as a management consultant for Accenture. She holds a BA from the College and William and Mary and an MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. | 
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rice@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext. 14 |
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| Julie Griffin leads the general management, staffing, accounting and finance operations of Arts Alliance Illinois, in addition to serving as a liaison to members of the organization’s committees and its board of directors. A freelance musician with 25 years of experience working in the Chicago area, she has held administrative roles with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. |  |
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griffin@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext. 16 Contact me about
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| Jonathan VanderBrug brings more than 15 years of diverse experiences to Arts Alliance Illinois, where he builds policy initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and coalitions to influence funding and legislative decisions made at local, state and federal levels. Through generating new research, analyzing data, and maintaining relationships with fellow experts in the field, he coordinates the activities of Arts Alliance Illinois with state and national organizations, and develops targeted messaging to engage both new and lifelong advocates for the arts, culture, and arts education. VanderBrug holds a BA in English Literature from Calvin College, and an MNA from North Park University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management. | 
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vanderbrug@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext. 12 Contact me about
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| Sangini Brahmbhatt develops and executes fundraising strategies for Arts Alliance Illinois including individual giving, annual fund, major gifts, grants, and special events. Bringing a deep understanding of the arts sector and development to the Alliance, she has held development roles with the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago, Chicago Cares, Kartemquin Films, and The Night Ministry. Brahmbhatt holds a BA in Art and Design from DePaul University, volunteers at a senior home doing arts and crafts, and she currently serves on LATITUDE | Chicago's board of directors. | 
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brahmbhatt@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext. 13 Contact me about
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| Zachary Whittenburg develops and implements communications strategies, online presences, public-facing materials, and engagement events supporting the members, mission, and partners of Arts Alliance Illinois. Staff writer and editor at Time Out Chicago magazine from 2009–12, Whittenburg is a regular panelist and guest speaker, and has contributed articles to publications in Canada, the UK, and the US. As a professional dancer, choreographer and technique coach for ten years, he performed in more than 100 cities worldwide, with ensembles based in Charlotte, Chicago, Montréal, and Seattle. Most recently associate director of marketing and communication at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, he represented the company on the Chicago Dancemakers Forum consortium, he is currently a member of the executive committee for the Chicago Dance History Project, and he serves on the artistic advisory council for High Concept Laboratories. | 
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whittenburg@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext.11 Contact me about
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| Jackie Banks-Mahlum manages and executes projects supporting the general operations, development, and membership of Arts Alliance Illinois. As an arts manager, producer, and educator, Banks-Mahlum has worked across many performing arts disciplines including dance, opera, and theater. In addition to her roles with Arts Alliance Illinois, she is managing director of Chicago’s Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, and co-producer for Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, CA. | 
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banks@artsalliance.org 312.855.3105 ext. 15 Contact me about
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