We’re thrilled to announce that Americans for The Arts CEO, Erin Harkey, will deliver the keynote address at the MSLCE convocation ceremony on August 21, 2026.
Erin Harkey has over 20 years of experience helping individuals and communities succeed through the arts. Erin was the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Harkey served the City of Chicago as Projects Administrator, then Deputy Commissioner for Programming and First Deputy Commissioner of DCASE.
In her dual role as Senior Policy Advisor for Arts and Culture in the Mayor’s Office, she advised on cultural policy and arts strategy across all City departments and agencies. She previously managed public art programs at Los Angeles County Arts Commission and the Arts Council for Long Beach. Harkey holds two master’s degrees in Public Art Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California (USC) and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Howard University.
We’re so grateful to have Erin join us for this remarkable occasion, and look forward to celebrating our class of 2026 this summer.