Illinois Humanities Names Susan Eleuterio as Board Chair

CHICAGO, NOVEMBER 16, 2021— Illinois Humanities is honored to announce Susan Eleuterio — professional folklorist, civic leader, and educator — has been elected chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, succeeding outgoing chair, Mae Hong, Vice President of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.  

An Illinois Humanities board member since 2013, Eleuterio has conducted fieldwork, research, and public humanities programming with cultural and ethnic groups across the United States. Her work includes developing exhibits, performances, folk arts education workshops, and residencies in schools, along with professional development programs for teachers, students, adults, and artists for schools, museums, arts education agencies, and arts organizations across the United States.  

“The humanities are critical in strengthening the resilience of our communities. I’m honored to work in collaboration with the incredible staff and board of Illinois Humanities to expand crucial access to the humanities throughout the state,” said Eleuterio.

She is the former Co-Chair of the Chicago-based Crossroads Fund Board of Directors and has extensive experience in philanthropy and grant-making. Eleuterio has previously served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts as well as for the Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and New York State Arts Councils. 

Eleuterio is the author of numerous articles and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Goucher College’s Masters in Cultural Sustainability program and as Director of the Graduate Virtual Writing Center. She holds an MA in American Folk Culture from the Cooperstown Graduate Program (SUNY/Oneonta) and a BA in English/Education from the University of Delaware.