CHICAGO, IL (June 27, 2019) – Urban Gateways is pleased to announce the appointment of four exceptional executives to their Board of Directors. In a successful search led by LPA Search Partners Co-CEO Anna McCormick Kelch, Urban Gateways is proud to welcome Kelly Coomer, Alicia Lisowski, John Lowell, and Caleb Matheny.
“LPA Search Partners has an active board practice committed to recruiting qualified individuals that add real value – be it industry experience or functional skill set. For Urban Gateways, we were also looking for something extra – that spark and connection with the mission. Kelly, Alicia, John, and Caleb add their own creative energy and will elevate an already fantastic board,” said McCormick Kelch.
“We are thrilled to have Kelly, Alicia, John, and Caleb join the Urban Gateways Board at a very exciting time in the organization,” said Eric Delli Bovi, President & CEO of Urban Gateways. “From marketing, communications, and advertising expertise to financial acumen and software and technology development, we know these executives will be a great addition to our Board.”
KELLY COOMER, Vice President – Divisional Chief Intelligence Officer Product Technology, Allstate Insurance Company
Kelly Coomer comes to Urban Gateways with experience in engineering mobile, iOT, and web software products. She has been involved with bringing multiple new software products to market. Coomer said, “As a Chicago resident, I’m excited to join an organization focused on social change through arts experiences for Chicago youth across different socioeconomic groups. It’s a well-established organization with a history of contribution to the Chicagoland area and will continue to serve the community well into the future.”
ALICIA LISOWSKI, Founder, 874 Ventures
Alicia Lisowski brings extensive experience in marketing, brand management, operations, digital strategy, and creative content creation to the Urban Gateways Board of Directors. Alicia recently founded her own consulting firm: 874 Ventures. “The mission of Urban Gateways – to engage young people in arts experiences to inspire creativity and impact social change – aligns perfectly with my belief in the transformative
power of art. And, we are doing so in my beloved hometown of Chicago,” said Lisowski. “I am delighted and honored to be joining the board.”
JOHN LOWELL, Chief Intelligence Officer, The Core – Leo Burnett Group
John Lowell brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the Board of Urban Gateways with experience in data-driven technology startups, data analysis, audience segmentation and activation, and developing powerful creative fueled by human understanding. “In a world of accelerating advancements in automation, machine learning, and the digitization of the human experience, creativity and artistic expression have never been more critical in shaping culture, meaning, and value,” said Lowell. “Urban Gateways is focused on inspiring creativity and impacting social change through engaging youth in artistic experiences. I’m excited to help contribute to this vital vision.”
CALEB MATHENY, Chief Financial Officer, Jellyvision
Caleb Matheny joins Urban Gateways with extensive operating experience ranging from launching startups to expanding large multi-national organizations. Said Matheny, “At Jellyvision, I have the pleasure of being surrounded by talented artists. Some are bona fide visual and audio artists at the forefront of digital media; others bring artistic flair to roles traditionally found at software companies. In any event, it’s quite clear that the arts have played a starring role in the success of our software and our business at Jellyvision, so it’s only doing my part to join the board of Urban Gateways to improve access to arts in Chicago. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community and to try to inspire the next generation of artists (and artsy technologists) through work with this amazing organization.”
For more information contact Abby Prescott, Chief Communications Officer, at 312.445.2755 or aprescott@tbxtestsrv.com.
Urban Gateways engages young people in arts experiences to inspire creativity and impact social change. We work to overcome social and economic barriers for youth to access Chicago’s artistic and cultural vitality. Our vision is a creative and artistically responsive society. Our programs are delivered by experienced professional artists and staff who guide program participants through music, dance, theater, digital media, literary, and visual arts experiences – engaging young people, their teachers, families, and communities with the power of creativity and the arts. We reach over 80,000 young people across about 250 locations annually. Programs are 100% free to participants.