Staff

Kristin Larsen (she / her / hers)
Executive Director
312-372-1876, ext. 101
LinkedIn | Americans for the Arts Private Sector Council

Kristin rejoined the Arts & Business Council of Chicago in 2017 after serving as Director of Programs in the early aughts. Prior to returning to A&BC, Kristin was Executive Director of Stage 773 (2013-2017), a performance venue in Lakeview, Executive Director of Remy Bumppo Theater Company (2002-2012), and a business representative with Actors’ Equity Association (1995-2000) after many years of being an Equity Stage Manager.

Kristin has her BFA in production management from The Theatre School at DePaul University and her MA in facilitating organizational effectiveness in the arts from DePaul University’s School for New Learning. Kristin serves on Americans for the Arts Private Sector Council, The Entertainment Fund’s Central Region Advisory Council, and volunteers with DePaul’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge program and the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee.

Kristin is an active member of the Unitarian Church of Evanston. As an only child growing up in unincorporated Will County, she participated in all sorts of art-making. Left to her own devices, she was often found slathering mud on boards and affixing such things as wildflowers, pebbles, and bird feathers. Today her art-making includes gardening, needlepoint, and elaborate Excel spreadsheets. If you think Kristin can be of service, don’t hesitate to connect with her. If you don’t reach her straightaway, she’s likely out of her mobile’s service area camping, canoeing, and stargazing.

Board of Directors

Simi Gambhir – Chair

Director of Strategic Programs


Jake Trussell – Vice Chair

Creative Director
Metabolize

Melissa Elbert – Treasurer

Partner
Aon

Liz Rice – Secretary
Manager of Curriculum and Education
2ND Story

Robyn Wheeler- Chair Emeritus

R. Kimberly Grigsby
Executive Director
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

Derek Lowrey
Associate General Counsel
Aptos Labs

Meida McNeal
Senior Manager, Arts & Community Impact Investments
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Artistic Director
Honey Pot Performance

Roche Schulfer
Executive Director
The Goodman Theatre

Vanessa Stokes
Owner
VS Creative Consulting

Kristin Larsen – Ex Officio
Executive Director
Arts & Business Council of Chicago