The Field Foundation Board of Directors at the Field Foundation recently announced the appointment of Daniel O. Ash to lead the Foundation as President beginning June 20. As Chicago continues to grapple with the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our most vulnerable communities, Ash’s deep connection to the city, and his understanding of its systemic and structural inequities that must be addressed, makes him exceptionally qualified to advance the Field Foundation’s commitment to community empowerment through funding the work of nonprofits’ efforts in justice, art, media & storytelling, and leadership investment. Ash was chosen after an extensive nationwide search led by Russell Reynolds.
“One of the most important issues in our world today is racial justice and equity, and I have dedicated my career to advancing this work,” Ash said. “It’s an honor to continue the pivotal and strategic work of the Field Foundation by leading the organization as it continues centering racial equity in all of its important work.”
Ash joins the Field Foundation from The Chicago Community Trust, where he has served as Associate Vice President of Community Impact, building the Building Collective Power strategy aiming to advance equitable neighborhoods within under-invested communities through grant making to community organizing, storytelling, and resident-driven initiatives. Previously, Ash served as Chief Marketing Officer where he directed brand strategy and communications, spearheading the development of On the Table, an ongoing civic engagement and dialogue platform designed to center and amplify resident voices and create greater civic connectedness across the Chicago region. Prior to joining the Chicago Community Trust, Ash worked at Chicago Public Media, where he led double-digit growth and oversaw both marketing and strategic partnerships. He has also held leadership positions at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Center for Family Policy and Practice.
“We are so pleased to have Daniel’s leadership as the Foundation continues the crucial work of centering racial justice,” said Field Foundation Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO Mark Murray. “Daniel’s authentic connection to Field’s work aligns with the Foundation’s mission and will facilitate the success of our work on behalf of communities.”
“Daniel’s breadth of experience and the respect he has earned through his work made him the ideal choice to become the next President of the Field Foundation,” said Field Foundation Board Chair Gloria Castillo, who co-led the search with Board Member Lyle Logan. “Daniel deeply understands the work the Field Foundation is prioritizing because he has been doing similar work for years, and we are confident that his vision aligns with the Foundation’s goals.”
With significant experience in media and storytelling, building strategic partnerships, and convening a vision around important issues through collaborative leadership, Ash will continue advancing the strategies adopted by the Field Foundation in 2018.
“Daniel Ash is uniquely qualified to lead the Field Foundation,” said Marshall Field V, Life Director of the Field Foundation. “Under Daniel’s direction, the Foundation will continue to steadfastly carry out its mission as set by Marshall Field III in 1940.”
Ash is committed to a number of community organizations and currently serves on the boards of the North Lawndale Employment Network, the Center for Family Policy and Practice, and Young Chicago Authors. He holds a B.A. in economics from Oberlin College and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.
