A personal introduction and a new chapter for Field Foundation

A message from Field President Daniel O. Ash

Today, I began my new role as the Field Foundation’s eighth president. I am incredibly honored to be working with our Board and the Field staff in service

of Field’s mission—centering racial equity to achieve community empowerment through Art, Justice, Media & Storytelling, and Leadership Investment. And I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with so many of you as part of our shared commitment to investing in people and communities across the city of Chicago—particularly those who are advocating tirelessly for essential change.

I have many emotions as I reflect on this day, which coincides with the observance of the Juneteenth holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in our country. I’m thinking about the progress and setbacks, the wins and losses, and the distance we still stand from living in a truly equitable society. Although I’m keenly aware of the challenges of the present moment, I am hopeful. Because I see transformational change in the tremendous work that our grantees and other partners are doing on the ground each day.

For those of you I’ve not yet had the pleasure to meet, let me briefly introduce myself. I come to Field from The Chicago Community Trust, where I served as associate vice president of community impact and previously as the Trust’s chief marketing officer. Prior to joining the Trust, I spent ten years as vice president at Chicago Public Media, where I was responsible for corporate sponsorship and individual giving and oversaw marketing and strategic partnership.

I have dedicated my career to advancing racial justice and equity, and I will bring my experience to help continue the pivotal and strategic work of the Field Foundation in this important area.

In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with our Board, Field staff, and key stakeholders to understand better how we build on our work. As for what’s ahead, you can continue to count on the same level of support and commitment you have come to expect from Field.

Just like the Field Foundation has always been, I am a believer in the promise of Chicago, having spent most of my career here. I look forward to working together and learning from each other in service to Chicago communities.

Best,

Daniel