Lori’s professional experience and work background can be summed up as diving in headfirst, taking opportunity by the reigns, and having impeccable (lucky) timing. 19 years ago, she began her professional career as a high school theater teacher. After two years, as a 24-year-old, she decided it was time to follow her dreams and head to Chicago to pursue a career working behind the scenes in live theater. She spent her first 6 ½ years in Chicago at Steppenwolf Theatre Company starting out as an apprentice and ending her time with the company as Director of Events Management.

In 2011, she joined the team at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance as Director of Operations. 10 years plus 4 titles later, she now serve as acting President and CEO. As CEO of the Harris Theater, she is deeply committed to creating meaningful connections between artists and communities through shared live experiences – telling stories, creating empathy, sharing joy, and enhancing our collective memory. Lori has her BA in Theater and M.Ed in Secondary Education from Drury University in Springfield, MO. She was also a 2019 Civic Leadership Academy Fellow at the University of Chicago.