CHICAGO, IL – Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO and President of the nationally renowned Chicago Sinfonietta, will be part of the official city delegation traveling to London and Paris July 11 – 16, 2022, to discuss Chicago’s economic strength and ways to further develop Chicago’s business economy.
A change leader, Johnson travels in the official capacity of a Chicago Community Trust Daniel Burnham Fellow, one of Greater Chicago Region leaders who “in their roles, are able to play a part in shaping the future of Chicago.” His active work is in helping to shape the socioeconomic future of Chicago, particularly in regard to the business of the arts. He joins fellow delegates: Katheryn Engel, Director of Internships in Applied Psychology Senior Lecturer, UIC and Co-Chair, Social Services Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International (Paris only); Alan Gogbashian, Consul General, Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Chicago (London only); John Holmes, President & CEO, AAR Corp (London only); Lynn Osmond, President and CEO, Choose Chicago (London only); Jose Luis Prado, Chairman, Chicago Sister Cities International and Chairman, Tropicale Foods and Palmex; David Reithoffer, Co-Chair of the Paris Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International (Paris only); Jim Reynolds, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Loop Capital; John C. Robak, Chairman & CEO, Greeley and Hansen; Smita Shah, President & CEO, SPAANTECH, Inc.; Jeff Shapack, Founder & CEO, Shapack Partners; and Charles Smith, Founder and CEO, CS Strategy.
“Chicago's economy is thriving and our business sector has set records, keeping us competitive with top global financial cities," said Mayor Lightfoot. "On behalf of our world-class city, I'm thrilled to lead a delegation of City officials and business leaders to London and Paris, where I look forward to discussing Chicago's economic strengths, speaking at Fintech Week London 2022, and learning new ideas to further develop our business community and economy.”
“We are pleased to bring together city and business leaders to represent Chicago’s global interests in London and Paris,” said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. “Chicago’s competitiveness in the world is key to our strategy of driving growth, innovation, and a strong business sector. As such, the business delegation joining us represents the varying interests of the city’s business community, helpful in promoting Chicago as an investment-friendly city, as well, strengthening important, and long-standing, global business relationships.”
More information on the trip and other city officials can be found at:
About Blake-Anthony Johnson
The first African American executive to guide a nationally renowned orchestra, since May 2020 Blake-Anthony Johnson has served as Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning 35 year-old Chicago Sinfonietta, an acclaimed cultural leader in the field and a powerful champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. Mr. Johnson’s work focuses on community-centric, multi-disciplinary, and educational initiatives that enable cultural institutions to provide equitable access and public service to all. Appointed President & CEO in April 2022, Johnson has been universally recognized and applauded for his civic engagement & transformational leadership. He is the recipient of the 2022 Chicago Community Trust Daniel Burnham Fellowship, awarded by Leadership Greater Chicago.
Recently elected to the Sir Georg Solti Foundation U.S. Board of Directors, one of the country’s foremost organizations dedicated to assisting young American conductors in the early stages of their careers, Mr. Johnson also serves on the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events in various roles, most recently a member of its One Chicago_500 Shows Task Force, and the Year of Chicago Music Steering Committee. Johnson also sits on the Steering Committee of Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, and is a member of the League of American Orchestras’ EDI Orchestra Management Committee. A member of the Cultural Arts Council for the City of Chicago, Johnson also serves as a Trustee and Advisory Board Member for several organizations across the country that focus on the arts, eliminating intergenerational poverty, criminal justice reform, and healthcare, including DCASE Cultural Grant Review Panelist & Cultural Advisory Council; The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage; Vanderbilt University’s Dean Advisory Circle for the Blair School of Music; AIRIE: National Advisory Committee; and The San Francisco Conservatory of Music in partnership with the San Francisco Symphony Emerging Black Composers Project Evaluation Committee. A champion of arts education, Mr. Johnson is also a member of the Faculty at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Conservatory of Performing Arts.
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