We partnered with The Chicago Community Trust on the search for a Chief Philanthropy Officer. The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to building a Chicago region where equity is central—and opportunity and prosperity are within reach for all. 

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Sheila Cawley to the role.

With nearly 30 years of civic and philanthropic experience, Cawley has demonstrated an ability to maximize resources and connect philanthropy to impact.

Cawley previously served the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in multiple roles over a decade, most recently as the Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Chief Revenue Strategist. While at MSI, she doubled their endowment with the success of a $360 million fundraising campaign.

Before her role at MSI, she spent seven years at the Field Museum, her last position being the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, where she led a successful capital campaign.

Additionally, she has served in a development capacity at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, The Andrews School, and Secondary School Consulting.

Cawley holds a BA from Saint Mary’s College. She earned her MA in History from DePaul University.