Jacquelyn Bonavia’s executive and development career in the nonprofit world spans over 25 years during which time she has overseen the growth of several nonprofits.

She began her career in North Carolina as the Executive Director of a performing arts center. She then returned to her home state of Illinois and joined the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in suburban Chicago, completing a sixteen-year tenure as its first Executive Director.

In recent years, she has focused on development with Chicago arts organizations such as Art Resources in Teaching, Music of the Baroque, and Reading In Motion.

She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Chapter of the International Association of Fundraising Professionals, including four years of service on its Executive Committee.

Bonavia is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Arts Administration through the University’s School of Business.

Her commitment to the field of philanthropy has been fueled by the dedication and generosity of the volunteers and donors with whom she has had the privilege to work.