Executive Director, Chicagoland Pops Orchestra
Chicago, Illinois
Rhoda A. Pierce is currently the Executive Director of the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. Previously, Rhoda was the Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Council from 1999 to April 2003, after having served as Deputy Director and Acting Director since 1990. She joined the Illinois Arts Council in 1986. Also a certified teacher, Rhoda taught American History and Cooperative Vocational Education at Lane Technical High School in Chicago and Evanston Township High School. She currently serves on the Board of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Rhoda is a long-time advisor to the Illinois Theater Access Coalition, whose goal is to increase employment and accessibility in all Illinois theaters for artists and audiences with disabilities. Rhoda serves as a Trustee of Lake Forest College (LFC) and is the Secretary of the Executive Board. She was the first President of the Highland Park, Illinois Sister Cities Foundation. She also is a past President of the Highland Park Human Relations Commission and has served on the Board of Apple Tree Theater. She is a member of the Highland Park Library Board, has served as Treasurer of the La Rabida Women’s Board and as the food service representative for Tri-Con Day Care and After School Center. For many years she served on the Highland Park Hospital Ravina Festival Summer Benefit Committee. Rhoda is a member of the Arts Club of Chicago and the Northmoor Country Club. Rhoda holds a B.A. degree from Lake Forest College, and a 6-12 teaching certificate from Northeastern University and has taken graduate level courses at the University of Chicago. Rhoda lives with her husband Dan Pierce in Highland Park, Illinois.