Mallory M.

Mallory has over 10 years of experience managing operational and administrative systems, and planning and executing public programs. Her work has spanned non-profits, government, higher education and arts administration.

Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff to Theaster Gates, the world-renowned, socially engaged artist whose organizations strengthen communities through art, cultural development, and social engagement. As Chief of Staff she managed all administrative and operational systems across Gates’s initiatives and organizations, ensuring that processes and systems aligned to support Gates’s mission.

Previously, Mallory served as Senior Associate Director of Speaker Series & Special Events at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP). While at the IOP, Mallory produced nearly 400 events featuring leading and emerging thought leaders, politicians, policy experts, and activists. These events ranged from off-the record seminars and keynote lectures, to major panels, symposia, and live debates.

Prior to the IOP, Mallory worked at the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture where she assisted the Executive Director. Before entering this role, she was a researcher on the Chicago Neighborhood Tourism Project, a groundbreaking assessment of tourism assets throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Additional public programming experience includes work in Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Mallory is a Chicago native and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. She is also co-owner of Beverly Phono Mart, an independent record store on Chicago’s South Side.