Executive

MARK GEORGE

************@*****.*** • 847-***-****

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

President / Executive Director – Arts and Culture

Visionary nonprofit leader with a proven record of advancing mission-driven institutions through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and creative innovation. Raised over

$35 million in philanthropic support and doubled endowment assets. Managed programs serving 2,000+ students annually with national and international reach.

An analytical thinker recognized for expanding institutional partnerships by 200% and developing programming that increased event attendance by 150%. A trusted governance strategist with deep roots in civic advocacy, diversity, access and inclusion, and community building.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

President & CEO

Music Institute of Chicago – Evanston, IL 2010–2025 Led one of the nation’s premier community music schools with a $6M annual budget, guiding the institution through strategic growth, program innovation, and increased civic engagement.

• Raised over $35 million in philanthropic support, including record-breaking gala events; doubled endowment from $3M to $6M.

• Realigned campus infrastructure, establishing KPIs for financial management and mission alignment.

• Produced the largest community service music initiative in Chicago history—75+ musicians and 100 performances—through community partnerships and collaboration.

• Managed Nichols Concert Hall and curated world-class concert series and large civic events.

MARK GEORGE

************@*****.*** • 847-***-****

Director

Hartt School Community Division, University of Hartford – West Hartford, CT 2007-2010 Led university-based performing arts school with $3.2M budget and diverse music/dance programs.

• Produced Equity and Access in Arts Education Colloquium for regional stakeholders.

• Created international summer programs attracting global talent. EARLIER LEADERSHIP ROLES

Director of Distance Learning & Content Development Cleveland Institute of Music – Cleveland, OH

Pioneered one of the first interactive distance learning programs in U.S. conservatories.

• Built and monetized interdisciplinary curricula integrating arts, science, and humanities.

• Music Director of “Kinetic Shadows,” a live bi-coastal performance using low- latency technology.

Manager of Cultural Arts Education

Cleveland Cultural Coalition – Cleveland, OH

Directed a $1M+ multi-year citywide arts education initiative across Cleveland schools.

• Built 17 cross-sector partnerships and trained 100+ teaching artists in underserved schools.

MARK GEORGE

************@*****.*** • 847-***-****

BOARDS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

• Executive Leadership Training - Leadership Greater Hartford

• President of the Board of Trustees – Evanston Chamber of Commerce

• Consultant – Executive Service Corps

• Board Chair – Cleveland Chamber Symphony

HONORS

• Chicago Tribune “Chicagoan of the Year” (Classical Music)

• Grammy Award (Board Chair) – Cleveland Chamber Symphony

• Distinguished Alumni Award – Cleveland Institute of Music EDUCATION

Doctor of Musical Arts – Cleveland Institute of Music / Case Western Reserve University

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