The Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Francee Harrington and Ann Thompson, FAIA, to its Board of Directors. Both leaders bring extraordinary professional distinction, deep civic engagement, and a shared commitment to strengthening communities - values that are central to the philanthropic legacy of the Foundation’s founder, Richard H. Driehaus.
“Francee Harrington and Ann Thompson exemplify the kind of leadership that Richard Driehaus so admired - visionary, generous, and grounded in a profound commitment to community,” said Lynn Osmond, President and Executive Director of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. “Their combined expertise in philanthropy, architecture, design, and civic life will be invaluable as we continue to support organizations that enrich Chicago’s cultural, social, and civic landscape.”
Francee (Francia E.) Harrington is a long-standing philanthropy advisor, former corporate executive, and civic leader committed to advancing social impact through strategic partnerships and community-based solutions. She brings extensive corporate philanthropy leadership experience from senior executive roles at JPMorgan Chase, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Fifth Third Bank, with a focus on connecting nonprofits and communities to resources, investors, and sustainable strategies. Harrington currently serves as Co‑Director of the Civic Engagement Initiative at World Business Chicago and is principal of Burton Astor Advisors, where she advises families, foundations, nonprofits, and businesses on philanthropic strategy.
Deeply engaged in Chicago’s civic and cultural life, Harrington serves on the boards of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, Ingenuity, and the International Women’s Forum. She also serves on key committees of The Chicago Network, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Woman’s Athletic Club, and Fourth Presbyterian Church. A sought‑after speaker and respected thought leader, Francee has received multiple honors recognizing her distinguished board service and philanthropic leadership.
“The Driehaus Foundation has a distinctive approach to philanthropy - one rooted in long‑term relationships and deep respect for community‑based organizations,” said Harrington. “I am honored to join the Board and look forward to contributing my experience in social impact and civic leadership to help advance this important work.”
Ann Thompson, FAIA, is Executive Vice President of Architecture and Design at Related Midwest, where she has led the creative oversight and planning of the firm’s mixed-use, mixed-income, affordable, and luxury developments since joining the company in 1995. A licensed architect and recognized thought leader, she directs architecture, urban planning, interior design, and engineering teams while overseeing zoning and entitlement efforts for complex large-scale projects. Her portfolio includes landmark Chicago developments such as the reimagined Lathrop community, The 78, and the 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive master plan, which will anchor the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park.
Thompson serves on the boards of the Chicago Architecture Center and the Alliance Française de Chicago and serves on the advisory boards of the Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture, from which she earned her Master of Architecture degree. A frequent industry speaker and published voice, she champions design excellence, mentorship, and civic engagement across the built environment and was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2024, the organization’s highest honor.
“Richard Driehaus recognized the powerful role that architecture, culture, and journalism play in shaping vibrant communities,” said Thompson. “I am delighted to join the Board and support the Foundation’s enduring commitment to civic vitality.”
With the addition of Harrington and Thompson, the Foundation strengthens its Board with two leaders whose vision, experience, and dedication will help guide the Foundation’s continued investment in arts and culture, architecture and urbanism, and investigative journalism.
