Director of Philanthropy
Known as a bridge builder and creative problem solver, Maris, a native of Chicago’s North Shore, lived in Paris for 20 years and relocated back to the Chicago area in 2013.
As a mission-driven leader with over 25 years of experience serving in development, fundraising and marketing roles in diverse organizations across the arts, education and healthcare sectors, Maris believes in the power of people and philanthropy.
A graduate of Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, with degrees in French and history, Maris received a diploma from the Institut Catholique in Paris, and studied art and architecture at the Ecole du Louvre in Paris.
A classically trained violinist, she has taught and played the violin in diverse chamber groups and orchestras in the Paris area, touring Europe on several occasions. She has served on boards of non-profit organizations including the North Shore Counseling Center and the Misericordia Women’s Board.
Maris has four bi-lingual children born in France, her youngest a junior in high school. Together with her partner, David, they have 6 young adult children, three dogs, and two cats. They enjoy playing golf, walking their dogs, traveling, reading, and doing crosswords.