Joffrey Welcomes New Board Chair Jim McDonough

Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, and Greg Cameron, President and CEO of The Joffrey Ballet, are pleased to announce the appointment of Jim McDonough as Chair of The Joffrey Board of Directors, effective immediately. Named one of Crain's Chicago Business 2025 Notable Leaders in Philanthropy, McDonough succeeds the former Board Chair Anne Kaplan, who concluded a successful six-year term in June. 

"Jim is a force for good in the arts, and a trusted friend," says Cameron. "He believes in a healthy cultural landscape for Chicago and stands firmly with our city's artists. For over 15 years, Jim has provided steady, strategic leadership at the Joffrey, and I've had the privilege of working alongside him for 13 of those years. Together, we eliminated debt, strengthened governance, and stabilized the organization. Now, with the Joffrey at its strongest artistic and financial position yet, Jim steps into this role at the perfect time. As we celebrate 70 years, Jim's leadership will help transform our boldest ambitions into an enduring legacy." 

McDonough joined The Joffrey Board of Directors in 2013.  During his tenure on the Board, he served as the Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, and Facilities Committee, ensuring The Joffrey’s continued stability and success through the COVID-19 pandemic and move to the Lyric Opera House in 2020.  His influence extends beyond fundraising and includes securing pro bono legal support and other critical resources for the Joffrey. Most recently, he served as the First Vice Chair of The Joffrey Board of Directors.  

"Jim's leadership reflects the same qualities we value in great artistry: clarity, discipline, and vision," adds Wheater. "He has helped drive the Joffrey's trajectory while never losing sight of our mission. Building on Anne Kaplan's extraordinary legacy, Jim understands what it takes to sustain excellence, on stage and in the community. With ambitious productions and new commissions ahead, this is the right moment to have Jim at the helm. As we open with Carmen and mark a decade of  The Nutcracker, his guidance will ensure that the Joffrey continues to thrive and inspire."  

McDonough previously served as Executive Director at the Alphawood Foundation Chicago from 2012 to 2021. McDonough joined Alphawood from Sun-Times Media Holdings, LLC, where he was General Counsel, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to joining Sun-Times Media, McDonough was a partner in the Chicago law firm Gardner, Carton & Douglas.  

In addition to his legal and media credentials, McDonough has considerable experience in the not-for-profit world. From 2003 to 2009, he served on the National Board of Directors of Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to safeguard and advance the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and policy work. He is a member of the board of directors of Four Freedoms Park Conservancy in New York and the long-time Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sun-Times Charity Trust, the charitable arm of the Chicago Sun-Times. McDonough has served as a director and advisor to numerous local charities and not-for-profit organizations. 

About The Joffrey Ballet 

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 70 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.  

Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.