Board Member Tapped As Beverly Arts Center Executive Director

CHICAGO — Denise M. Powell has been appointed executive director of the Beverly Arts Center. A board member of the esteemed South Side arts organization since 2019, Powell brings a wealth of experience in corporate management and operations. Her new role starts Aug. 1.

“I am thrilled, excited, and honored to accept this role leading the talented and dedicated team of the Beverly Arts Center at a time of challenge and change,” Powell said in a news release.

Lumbering to its feet from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beverly Arts center was forced to cancel or significantly alter most of its programming and workshops. The performing and visual arts organization experienced losses in staffing, revenue, and audience – at just the time the arts were needed most.

“Thanks to the extraordinary resiliency and creativity of the staff, the receipt of important emergency grant funding, and most importantly, the support of our community,” Powell said. “The BAC is poised to emerge from the crisis stronger than ever, and ready to provide what we’re all craving – connection and the transformative power of the arts,” Powell.

The BAC has been operating under a triumvirate leadership model since 2017. This structure — with directors of artistic, development and operations co-leading the BAC with strategic oversight from the board — was an innovative model for small nonprofit arts organizations, allowing the BAC cost savings to invest into its core operations. After a nick-of-time bailout in 2013 to pay off the building’s $4.5 million mortgage debt, the board decided that now is the time for executive leadership.

“As we emerge from a year like no other, Denise will reengage with the community, peer organizations and institutions to position the Beverly Arts Center as a beacon for arts and entertainment in the community and broader Chicago area,” BAC board president Andrea Nance said.

“With an executive director, the senior leaders of the staff will be better able to focus on what they do best, and the board will be able to perform its governance role.” Nance added. “This move positions the BAC for success and growth.”

Powell recently retired from her role as an operations director with Aon Corporation, primarily responsible for continuous process improvement and project management. She has worked with executive leadership to analyze workflows and processes used by various business units, and led teams or managed projects to optimize those processes or create new ones.

Powell has over 40 years of experience in commercial insurance, including 23 years in risk control and more than 20 years in management and operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, a certification in change management, is a retired certified safety professional, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a 2009 graduate of Aon’s Catalyst America’s Accelerated Leadership program.

Additionally, Powell served as the governance co-chair and the vice chair of the board of directors of the YWCA of Lake County, and as secretary of the board of directors for the Chicago Chapter of the National African American Insurance Association.

The Beverly Arts Center is a vibrant and multifaceted not-for-profit organization serving the Chicago metro area with high-quality programs in dance, visual arts, music, film and theatre. The 40,000 square foot space houses a 400-seat theater, art gallery, exhibition spaces, music and dance studios, art classrooms and event rental spaces including a courtyard and light-filled atrium. Founded in 1967 and located in Chicago’s historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the BAC is also home to an extensive community outreach program.