Executive Director

Lisa Dell is an arts champion, leading arts and education-focused organizations to successfully build audiences, increase revenue, and make an impact. Lisa believes these cultural institutions play a vital role in their communities, and she is experienced in multiple facets of promoting and developing companies ranging from commercial entertainment groups to performing arts nonprofits, and from language schools to music education centers.

Known primarily for her work with major classical music institutions and contemporary chamber music ensembles, Lisa has worked with every major classical music institution in Chicago: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Music Festival, Music of the Baroque, Chicago Children’s Choir, The People’s Music School, and Merit School of Music. She raised the profile of new music organizations such as Fulcrum Point New Music Project and Access Contemporary Music, and launched the groundbreaking Ear Taxi Festival of New Music, a first-of-its-kind Chicago-centric large-scale contemporary classical music festival. Lisa showcased Chicago blues musicians for several years through her work with Delmark Records and the music venue at City Winery Chicago. In 2008, she co-founded a chamber music ensemble, Anaphora, which quickly became known for its innovative programming and “gutsy but polished performances” (Chicago Tribune).

Lisa’s strategy for media coverage and promotions surpassed expectations for Cirque du Soleil’s touring arena production inspired by the film “Avatar,” TORUK – The First Flight. Her plan resulted in the show exceeding sales goals by 50%, and extra performances were added to support ticket demand. Lisa also has a decade of film industry experience leading regional and national marketing campaigns for film studios and independent producers including Focus Features, Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Paramount Pictures, and the Chicago-based Olive Films. She led the marketing and media relations for the nonprofit Cinema/Chicago and its Chicago International Film Festival, the longest-running competitive film festival in the U.S., where Lisa’s audience recruitment tactics led to increased attendance—and loyalty.

In her spare time, Lisa enjoys pairing her professional talents with her passion for the arts by volunteering with classical music and film organizations. She delights in hiking with her husband and 2-year-old son.

Growing up in the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Lisa attended the nationally recognized, award-winning magnet high school, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, where she studied dance. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Marketing minor from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Lisa's energy and enthusiasm are contagious."

—Music Director Donato Cabrera