A new major shift of the IAC this year was to divide the state into six distinct regions allowing Program Directors to oversee entire communities as opposed to artistic disciplines. The Muse would like to feature its Program Directors over the next few weeks so you may better get to know who will be working within your community. Jackie Banks-Mahlum will be responsible for the southern tip of the state as well as Chicago's Metro Region 5. Please refer to the Region Map and the Regional Program Director Finder page on IAC's website to determine your respective Program Director.

Jackie has worked at the Illinois Arts Council since 2019. Prior to her work at IAC, Jackie was the Managing Director for Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and the Development Associate for Arts Alliance Illinois. While primarily a lifelong Illinoisan, Jackie spent some years in the Los Angeles area where she worked with Theatricum Botanicum, Center Theatre Group, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has also freelanced throughout several areas in the country where she had the opportunity to work with a variety of performing arts including opera, ballet, modern dance, improv, and theatre. Jackie earned her bachelor's degree in theatre production and business management from Bradley University, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre producing from the California Institute of the Arts.

Some things to know about Jackie:

• Her favorite artists are her two kids ages 7 and 12.
• She has a soft spot for outdoor theatre which she has stage managed on both coasts.
• She enjoys walks with her rescue pup as long as he is not dragging her after squirrels.
• She loves baking and her favorite challenge cake was a “dinosaur eating a donut” request when her son turned 4.
• Her stage management background gave her a love of Excel and she probably has more spreadsheets than necessary.