Ruth Ann Gillis Named Chairman of Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre's Board of Trustees has announced Ruth Ann Gillis, a former Board President, as its new Chairman. Gillis, whose history and involvement with the theater spans decades, follows immediate past Chairman Patricia Cox's two-year term. Gillis is Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Diversity Officer, Exelon Corporation and President, Exelon Business Services Company. She is a sustaining member of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women's Board and immediate past president of the Foundation's Board of Trustees. She is a board member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and a member of the Chicago Network, Economic Club of Chicago and Commercial Club of Chicago. Gillis also serves on the board of directors for Potlatch Corporation and KeyCorp.

"I am honored to take the helm of Goodman Theatre at a truly wonderful time in our history," said Gillis. "Great artists from Chicago, across the country and around the world are coming to work here under Artistic Director Robert Falls in collaboration with Executive Director Roche Schulfer. From John Logan's Red to Calixto Bieito's fresh take on Tennessee Williams' Camino Real to Bob's major revival of The Iceman Cometh with Brian Dennehy and Nathan Lane-this is a 'signature Goodman' season based on our institutional values of quality, diversity and community."

Continued Gillis, "I am humbled by the company of our great past chairs, and I extend special appreciation to Patricia Cox, whose leadership over the past two seasons culminated in a tremendously exciting 10th Anniversary 'Decade on Deaborn' celebration. I am eager to assume this important role within Chicago's vibrant theater scene-one that is unrivaled by any other city."

As Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Diversity Officer, Exelon Corporation and President, Exelon Business Services Company (BSC), Gillis is responsible for providing oversight for transactional and corporate services to the Exelon operating companies. BSC encompasses information technology, supply chain, real estate and human resources, as well as other advisory, professional, technical and support services. As Chief Diversity Officer, Gillis oversees all Exelon diversity initiatives including the company's employee-focused Diversity & Inclusion strategy and supplier-focused Diverse Business Enablement initiative. Gillis is also a member of Exelon's Executive, Corporate Investment and Corporate Risk Management committees, as well as a member of the Exelon Foundation board of directors.

Remarked Goodman Theatre Executive Director Roche Schulfer, "We are thrilled that Ruth Ann Gillis, who over the past three decades has distinguished herself among Chicago's top-tier executive leaders, is our new Chairman. Thanks to the tremendous support of a vital Board of Trustees, dedicated artists and talented staff, loyal subscribers and patrons, as well as longstanding support from corporate, foundation, government and civic leaders, we are poised to further our reputation as a major cultural pillar in Chicago under her leadership."

Previous Chairmen of Goodman Theatre include Stanley M. Freehling, Irving J. Markin, James E. Annable, Sondra A. Healy, Deborah A. Bricker, Carol Prins, Lester N. Coney, Shawn M. Donnelley and Patricia Cox.