staff

Kara has a 20-year background in nonprofit and education, serving most recently as Development Associate for PACTT Learning Center, an

Ellen leads the Chicago Artistic Vitality and Collections programs. Before joining the Foundation in 2013, she was an independent fundraising

Baronica brings extensive experience in financial management and operations to GDDF. Before joining GDDF in 2021, Baronica served for seven years

Rebecca leads and manages the Chicago region land conservation program. She joined the Foundation in 2019 from the Illinois Chapter

Sydney Murphy is the Operations and Grants Associate at GDDF. She graduated from Oberlin College in 2020 where she received

Abigail is a Program Officer in Chicago. She assists with all aspects of grantmaking and related activities for the Chicago

Kelly Landis is an experienced and insightful communications professional with a track record of developing effective and innovative communications and

Ame manages GDDF’s Lowcountry arts portfolio, working with current and potential grantees to help support their work in the region through

Jason is our Lowcountry Program Director, leading our work in coastal South Carolina across all three of our mission areas.

Arnold leads the Foundation. He joined us after serving as General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County for