Joffrey Board Chair Anne Kaplan Recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business

An extraordinary leader in extraordinary times

Crain’s Chicago Business has released its annual Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders of 2021, with Joffrey Board Chair Anne L. Kaplan rounding out the list of 70 Chicagoans making an impact on industry’s and communities across the city.  

Statement on behalf of Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, and Greg Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officers of The Joffrey Ballet:

It gives us great joy to celebrate our Board Chair, Anne Kaplan, recently recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Nonprofit Board Leader of 2021.

The last 18 months have tested the fortitude and welfare of almost every organization around the world, in ways that no one could have anticipated. Here at the Joffrey, we faced a wave of obstacles in the spring of 2020 — the loss of earned revenue, the uncertain day-to-day of the Joffrey artists and staff, city mandates, and much more. 

This is what makes Anne so special. Through the most challenging times, Anne steered us with grace and relentless optimism that kept us moving forward, often going above and beyond to stay in close contact with the staff, attend every committee meeting, and mobilize our donors on a deeper level at a time when we needed it most. 

Her extraordinary leadership has put the Joffrey in one of its strongest positions to date, including the opening of the new Joffrey studios in the South Loop, the successful completion of our $12 million Crisis Stabilization Fund, and of course, the kickoff if the Joffrey’s inaugural season at Lyric Opera House on October 13.

Our gratitude for Anne is immeasurable. She is a leader among leaders, remarkable in every way. The words that accompany the Crain’s feature sums it up nicely:

“These leaders present an admirable picture of grace, not to mention resilience, under extreme pressure. The time, talent, and treasures they donate to nonprofits of all kinds help make Chicago and its surrounding areas a better place to live.”

Congratulations, Anne, on a most-deserved honor. You keep the Joffrey thriving and make our city a better place to live, indeed.