CHICAGO – The Field Foundation of Illinois announced today that analía rodríguez, program officer for its Leadership Investment portfolio, will depart the foundation to become program director for Neighborhood Funders Group’s Midwest Organizing Infrastructure Funders, effective December 2, 2024.

Since joining the foundation in 2021, rodríguez has managed the Leaders for a New Chicago Award—Field’s partnership with the MacArthur Foundation—which seeks to build a more inclusive city by recognizing leaders who are driving transformative change at the community level. In 2019, rodríguez was a recipient of the award for their impact as executive director for the Latino Union of Chicago.

In their tenure at Field, rodríguez also has managed the foundation’s fellowship program, which provides a unique experience in philanthropy for graduate students in Chicago.

“We appreciate analía’s deep commitment to community and their many contributions to the Field Foundation and the Leaders for a New Chicago program,” said Field Foundation Chief Operating Officer Mark Murray. “We wish analía the very best in this exciting new role, which aligns with their strengths in leadership development and as a long-time community organizer.”

rodríguez reflected on their experience stewarding the Leaders for a New Chicago program, noting that—as a fellow awardee—they look forward to staying connected to the group through future convenings.

“This position is very special,” rodríguez said. “I don’t think many people have the opportunity to pause and truly see the incredible leaders we have in our communities at all levels. It’s amazing, and it’s inspiring.”

Beginning November 22, Richard Tran, Field’s Arts Program Officer, will assume interim responsibility for the Leadership Investment portfolio, supported by Field’s staff. There will be no disruption to the portfolio as part of this transition, Murray said.