EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heather was born and raised on Chicago’s south side and was most recently the Executive Director of the Beverly Arts Center. Prior to that, she served as Director of the historic South Side Community Art Center in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

With a nearly 20-year career in our culturally rich city, Heather’s experiences have included leadership, programming, and management with some of the Chicago’s foremost institutions including After School Matters, Gallery 37, The Chicago Park District, Marwen, The Jazz Institute, Marriott Bridges and the Quad Communities Development Corporation.
Heather taught theatre and poetry performance at the South Shore Cultural Center and has developed various performing, arts integration, and teaching workshops. As a writer and storyteller, her children’s plays and performances have been produced at the DuSable Museum, the African Festival, and the Chicago Cultural Center. She was the founder of The People’s Jazz Theatre whose youth productions graced Buckingham Fountain, the 63rd Street Beach, and many other venues.

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from DePaul University. She includes the Goodman, Redmoon, MPAACT, Pegasus Players and NBC’s ER among her acting credits.

PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Zakiya Fola serves as the Programs & Operations Manager at the Jazz Institute of Chicago, where she leads the planning, coordination, and execution of programs and organizational operations that advance the Institute's mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate jazz throughout Chicago and beyond.

With expertise in operations management, program administration, artist relations, and event production, Zakiya oversees the systems and logistics that support the Institute's signature initiatives. She has played a key role in the planning and execution of major programs and events, including the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Winter Jazz Fair, the Jazz Institute's annual Gala, and Chicago's 2026 International Jazz Day celebration. She works collaboratively with staff, artists, vendors, consultants, and community partners to ensure programs are executed efficiently, thoughtfully, and with excellence.

Prior to joining the Jazz Institute of Chicago, Zakiya built a strong foundation in executive administration and alumni relations, developing a reputation for strategic organization, relationship building, and operational excellence. She brings a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to improving internal processes while fostering meaningful experiences for artists, audiences, and partners.

Outside of her work at the Jazz Institute of Chicago, Zakiya is an arts administrator and artist manager dedicated to supporting the growth and long-term success of jazz artists and organizations.

Driven by a deep appreciation for Chicago's rich jazz heritage, Zakiya is committed to strengthening the operational foundation that allows artists, programs, and communities to thrive.

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Tenor saxophonist, educator, band leader, and composer, John Foster, acknowledged by the "Chicago Tribune" as one to watch, is a respected figure in the jazz community. Originating from the vibrant South Side of Chicago, he began his musical journey under the guidance of Diane Ellis & Ari Brown.

John holds degree's from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he studied under world renowned jazz masters. His commitment to musical excellence extends beyond performance to educational initiatives, mentorship, and programming curation. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of Programs & Education Initiatives at the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

In his role and works with the Jazz Links Student Council, John draws upon his experience as an alumnus and past president to contribute to the development of aspiring musicians. His performances have graced stages at renowned festivals worldwide. Additionally, his leadership is exemplified by the founding of the "Foster Meets Brooks Big Band," a 15-piece ensemble that redefines the sound of big band jazz.

GRANTS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT

An active supporter and member of the Chicago cultural scene for many years, Maggy has worked in marketing for personal care manufacturer Alberto Culver, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs where she managed marketing and audience development for the Grant Park Music Festival, the Chicago Cultural Center, and other events and venues. Later, at the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, she handled publicity, marketing, and fundraising. Since 2017, she has combined her marketing acumen and love of the arts as a consultant in grant writing and fundraising.
Maggy also has extensive volunteer experience, serving for several years as a member of the Arts & Business Council’s Business Volunteers for the Arts. She was Board Chair of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater from 2006-2011. From 2014-2019 she was a board member of See Chicago Dance, the marketing and advocacy organization for Chicago’s non-profit dance sector, serving as Vice-President from 2016-2019. Maggy has an MBA from the University of Southern California, a Certificate in Grant Writing from DePaul University, and is a board member of the Chicago chapter of the Grant Professionals Association.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

Darius Hampton is a saxophonist and educator based in Chicago. He earned his MM in jazz studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was the Education Director with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and he has been a music educator at Columbia College Chicago, the Chicago Center for Music Education, All-City Performing Arts and others. He performs in jazz, dance and musical theatre ensembles regularly. In addition to his role at the Jazz Institute of Chicago he is currently a jazz ensemble director at Northwestern University.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

A lifelong Chicagoan, Mashaune has deep ties to Chicago’s vibrant arts community. With more than 20 years of experience in dance, information technology, marketing, and arts administration; she sits at the intersection of process and performance. Mashaune produces concerts, conferences, and performances; has danced with Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, and Ayodele Drum and Dance; and has developed social media strategies for several artists and arts organizations including the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Currently, she is the Business Manager at Ayodele Drum and Dance, Social Media Manager at the Jazz Institute of Chicago, and Assistant Director of Community Arts Partnership and Strategy at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The desire to create has consumed our Creative Director, Raymond A. Thomas, for as long as he can remember. Today, this St. Louis native has cultivated his passion into a vibrant artistic practice that continues to expand with purpose and daring. His superpower, I create art.
Thomas received a merit scholarship to attend the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he received a BFA in visual communications. Soon after graduation, Thomas began a more than 23-year career as art director and creative manager for Johnson Publishing Company Inc. He also continued in his passion to mentor youth and create art with studio showings in Chicago and galleries nationwide.

Thomas is also a filmmaker with over a half dozen feature screenplays, several of which have been optioned by major motion picture studios. He received an EMMY as an associate producer on the documentary COLORBLIND: Rethinking Race; and
wrote, directed, and produced 12 MINUTES, an award winning short that deals with mass incarceration and the death penalty, that continues to be screened in correctional facilities nationwide.

Besides his film and art practices, Thomas has been a freelance creative for nearly 30 years, working with national and global brands like AT&T. He has served as a board and committee member for many noted Chicago art institutions including: Little Black Pearl, Black Harvest Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival Black Perspectives Sidebar, Chicago Public Art Group and South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC). Thomas also served as artistic/creative director for SSCAC from 2012-2014. Thomas has won awards at Black Creativity at the Museum of Science and Industry and received four Creative Projects Grant from the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. He was among the artists commissioned to create Sankofa for the Earth installation in Burnham Park.

He is also a resident artist at the Bronzeville Artist Lofts in Chicago.

MARKETING MANAGER

Vanessa Abron is a creative strategist, marketing consultant, and multidisciplinary artist with more than 20 years of experience shaping brand visibility, audience engagement, and cultural relevance across corporate, entertainment, lifestyle, and creative sectors.

As founder of Agency Abron, she partners with global brands, organizations, and founders to develop bold marketing strategies, experiential campaigns, and brand positioning initiatives that move ideas from concept to real-world impact. Her approach blends strategic insight with artistic intuition, helping clients connect with audiences through meaningful storytelling and culturally resonant experiences.

Vanessa’s professional foundation in marketing and public relations includes work with leading agencies and organizations such as Burrell, Weber Shandwick, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, Atlantic Records, Ebony/Jet magazine, Nielsen, and Paramount. Her client work includes initiatives for McDonald’s, Hilton, AARP, Netflix, National Geographic, Hallmark, Paramount, ComEd, Magnolia Pictures, Tricocci, and FX Network.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sherry R. Trotter serves as the Development Manager: Membership & Individual Gifts with the Jazz Institute of Chicago. She is also the Principal Project Manager and Operations Strategist of Project SRT Services, LLC, bringing over a decade of experience helping mission-driven organizations, creative professionals, and business owners organize the business behind their brands. With expertise in program and project management, operations, and facilitation, she blends structure with creativity to deliver clarity, efficiency, and long-term results. 

Sherry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and is currently pursuing her PMP® Certification. Beyond her work as a strategist, Sherry is also a Music Artist who uses her art to bring comfort, conversation, and community through music.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR