CHICAGO, IL, July 17, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Daryl Ritchie has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Currently serving as the director of operations at Lawyers for the Creative Arts — a nonprofit legal service organization supporting Illinois artists, arts workers, and cultural organizations with contracts, copyright disputes, trademarks and other legal matters — Ritchie has carved a distinguished career at the unique intersection of justice and art. In their role, they provide comprehensive oversight of internal operations — managing fundraising, finance, marketing, and technology systems to support organizational sustainability — while also coordinating board engagement, streamlining cross-functional workflows, and leading strategic initiatives in partnership with the executive director. They are instrumental in preparing benefit events, finalizing honoree and talent details, tailoring grant applications, supporting law school interns' professional development, and collaborating with the programs director to promote arts initiatives and expand statewide visibility.

Prior to reaching their current position, Ritchie served as an operations manager from 2022 to 2024. During this time, they honed their skills in managing operations and accounting while working with the associate director of education to deliver a holistic approach to marketing management. Concurrently, they have been a consultant for the Harriet Tubman Effect Institute for Participatory Action Research since 2021, where they apply their expertise to foster community engagement, justice advocacy and participatory research.

In 2024, Ritchie also served as a panel reviewer for the Art Work Fund, where they played a crucial role in grant selections. Their involvement allowed them to witness firsthand the impactful work of artists and contribute to community enrichment through art. Before this, they held various positions at The Den Theatre Chicago LLC from 2018 to 2022, including executive assistant to the CEO and chief financial officer, on-site artist liaison, director of audience services and front of house associate. Each of these roles provided them with a comprehensive understanding of theater operations, audience engagement and business management.

Ritchie's storied career began with roles as an entertainment technician at Circle Players from 2012 to 2021 — during which they gained valuable experience in lighting design and stage management — and a customer service representative at Grand Stage from 2018 to 2019. They also served as a shop technician at Grand Stage in 2018 and theater manager at Thornton Fractional High School District 215 from 2016 to 2017. These early experiences combined their passion for the performing arts with a crucial knowledge of law, sales and business operations, equipping them with a deep knowledge of the challenges faced by artists working in various mediums.

Academically, Ritchie holds a Master of Arts in performing arts administration from Roosevelt University, earned in 2022, and obtained a bachelor's degree in communications and theatre production from Tennessee State University in 2015. To expand their knowledge and qualifications, they are certified in community organizing training by the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness and in finance essentials by MindEdge Learning. Additionally, they are an advanced certified nonprofit professional (ACNP) with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Beyond their professional endeavors, Ritchie is actively involved with civic-minded organizations such as The Saints, where they serve as a venue coordinator and co-chair of the grant selection committee. Their dedication to excellence has been highlighted by accolades such as the Crew Member of Distinction award from Circle Players in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 as well as Best Sound Design in 2015. Although they appreciate being recognized, they are especially proud of their involvement in key grant selections and being able to give back to their community through justice and artistic endeavors. Looking back on their success thus far, they recognize that the freedom to take risks and learn from failure is a privilege made possible by the consistent support of their family — a gift for which they remain sincerely thankful.

Looking to the future with optimism, Ritchie aspires to pursue a Master of Business Administration and expand their impact within the social services or philanthropic sectors. Their personal entry into theatre informs a broader belief in the arts as a catalyst for justice — particularly when aligned with grassroots efforts for social and political change.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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