Sheila M. Cawley Named Chief Philanthropy Officer at The Chicago Community Trust

CHICAGO (August 2, 2023) – Sheila M. Cawley is set to join The Chicago Community Trust as Chief Philanthropy Officer following an extensive national search. In this role, Cawley will be pivotal in advancing the Trust’s strategic priorities, leveraging her expertise and relationships to increase philanthropic support to strengthen the Chicago region and the people who call it home.

With nearly 30 years of civic and philanthropic experience, Cawley has demonstrated an ability to maximize resources and connect philanthropy to impact. She joins us from the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), where she has served in multiple roles for over a decade, most recently as the Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Chief Revenue Strategist. While at MSI, she doubled their endowment with the success of a $360 million fundraising campaign.

“I’m excited to add Sheila’s passion for connecting with donors and partners, combined with her deep expertise of Chicago’s civic and philanthropic landscape, to our team,” said Andrea Sáenz, president & CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. “The Trust is powered by partnership, and we are thrilled to have Sheila join our team of committed philanthropic experts as we double down on making our region a place where all people and communities thrive.”

Before her role at MSI, she spent seven years at the Field Museum, her last position being the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, where she led a successful capital campaign. Additionally, she has served in a development capacity at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, The Andrews School, and Secondary School Consulting.

“I am energized for the opportunity to join an organization deeply rooted in supporting causes and organizations that make a lasting difference in the Chicago region and beyond, Sheila Cawley said. “Chicago is one of the most philanthropic cities in the country, and I look forward to working with the team to imagine new possibilities to meet present and future needs.”

About The Chicago Community Trust
The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to building a Chicago region where equity is central—and opportunity and prosperity are within reach for all. For over 100 years, the Trust has brought donors, nonprofits, residents, and business and civic leaders together to respond to our region’s most pressing needs. From the Great Depression to the Great Recession to our current efforts to reduce the racial and ethnic wealth gap, we are committed to effecting lasting change that moves our entire region forward while remaining steadfast in addressing critical needs and connecting philanthropy to impact. Thanks to our generous donors, in the fiscal year 2022, more than 7,000 organizations received more than $1.5 billion in funding from the Trust and affiliated donor advised funds. To learn more, visit www.cct.org.