Music Institute of Chicago to Welcome New VP for Institutional Advancement

The Music Institute of Chicago announces that Alexis F. Cooke will join the institution as Vice President for Institutional Advancement, effective July 6, 2016. Cooke will serve as a member of the organization's senior management team and be responsible for a broad range of fundraising and donor relations initiatives.

President and CEO Dr. Mark George stated, "The Music Institute is thrilled to welcome Alexis. She brings a unique set of skills that will enable her to build strong relationships with friends and supporters and develop a dynamic platform to advance the mission of our school in the Chicago area."

Cooke has worked exclusively with nonprofit organizations for more than 12 years. Most recently as director of development at the Adler Planetarium, she successfully led the museum's fundraising efforts for major and individual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, events, endowment, and planned gifts. Prior to the Adler, she served as the senior officer, major gifts at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs where she was responsible for board relations, securing major funding for special initiatives, and sustaining annual individual donor support. She also worked for the development office at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Tate Museums in London managing membership, ticketing, and annual giving programs. She holds a Master of Research degree in humanities and cultural studies from the London Consortium, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College in Wisconsin. Cooke lives in Evanston with her husband and two children, and they enjoy exploring the world around them through travel, food, music, and art.

"The Music Institute has a wonderful list of core supporters and friends who share a belief in the importance of meaningful engagement with music," said Cooke. "I look forward to getting to know each of them and helping the Music Institute leverage its recently launched strategic plan and solidify its place as a renowned cultural organization."

Music Institute of Chicago
The Music Institute of Chicago is dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Founded in 1931, the Music Institute has grown to become one of the largest and most respected community music schools in the nation. Offering musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Each year, the Music Institute's teachers reach thousands of students of all ages and levels of experience. Music Institute locations include Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, and Downers Grove. In addition, the Music Institute is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools through its Arts Link program. The Music Institute offers lessons and classes, and concerts through its Community Music School, Academy, and Nichols Concert Hall. For more information, visit musicinst.org.

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