Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson has a diverse range of work experience. Michael began their career as a Company Member and Manager at The Joffrey Ballet, where they supervised contract negotiations, performed as a dancer, and taught master classes. Michael then transitioned to working at Columbia College Chicago as the Director of Event Operations, where they managed fundraising events and served as project manager for top-level events with major donors. After that, they served as the Director of Development at Southern Utah University, where they played a key role in a $100 million comprehensive campaign and worked closely with deans to develop solicitation strategies. Following this, they worked as an Adjunct Faculty member at Oakland University, teaching ballet and managing the operations of the dance school. Michael then returned to Columbia College Chicago as the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, leading a team in completing the college's first $100 million comprehensive campaign and collaborating with the board of trustees on strategic fundraising initiatives. Currently, they are the Vice President of External Engagement and Development at the Chicago History Museum, responsible for major gifts fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship, as well as completing a $50 million comprehensive campaign.

Michael Anderson received a Certificate in High Impact Leadership from the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University Chicago in 2013. Prior to that, they pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Arts Administration from Wayne State University from 1989 to 1992. Before their MFA, Michael completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Marketing, PR, and Advertising at Southern Utah University, graduating in 1989.