REGINALD JONES
Reginald Jones joined the Steans Family Foundation as Executive Director in 2003.  Prior to coming to Steans, Jones worked at the Joyce Foundation in Chicago where he was Program Officer.  At the Joyce Foundation, Jones was responsible for the Culture Program grantmaking.  While there he created the Joyce Awards initiative intended to increase commissions by mainstream cultural institutions of artistic works by minority artists.  Jones also shared responsibility for the Education Program grantmaking.

Jones also served as Director of Audience Development and Community Engagement at the Ravinia Festival, an internationally renowned performing arts center located in Highland park, Illinois.  He was the first to hold this position intended to lead the organization’s expansion of its audience through programming, education, and community relations efforts.

Demonstrating a diverse professional background, Jones has also worked in the education and public administration sectors.

Jones is frequently a presenter on issues related to the arts, community engagement and partnerships, and philanthropy.  He has served as speaker, moderator, and panelists for organizations that include the Council on Foundations, the Donors Forum, Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Families, and Arabella Philanthropic Advisors among others. Jones co-authored a recent Arabella issue brief on investing in nonprofit mergers and alliances.

Jones is currently on the boards of the Council on Foundations, where he also serves as Chair of the Family Philanthropy Committee; the Lake County (Illinois) Community Foundation, and the Merit School of Music in Chicago.