Jeffreen M.H. Ash Will Depart Threewalls in September
The longtime executive director is leaving the Chicago organization after an eleven-year tenure.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
Jeffreen M.H. Ash will step down as executive director of the Chicago-based organization Threewalls on September 30, 2026. Jaime J. Brunson, a former executive at First Person Arts, will serve as the interim director following the departure.
Why it matters
The leadership change marks the end of an eleven-year tenure during which Ash reshaped the organization through strategic initiatives and expanded support for artists. The board of directors is currently conducting a search for a permanent successor to guide the next phase of the group.
Ash joined Threewalls in 2015 and led the group for 11 years. The organization's recent milestones include the launch of the In-Session forum in 2017 and the publication of the From Living to Thriving report in 2024.
The players
Jeffreen M.H. Ash
She is the outgoing executive director of Threewalls who served the Chicago organization for eleven years.
Jaime J. Brunson
She is the former executive of First Person Arts in Philadelphia who will serve as interim director.
Threewalls
This Chicago-based arts organization focuses on supporting artists through grants, fellowships, and research reports.
The details
During her time at the helm, Ash oversaw the development of the RaD Lab+Outside the Walls fellowship and introduced emergency unrestricted grants to support local artists. The board is now managing a leadership transition as they search for a new executive director.
Timeline
Jeffreen M.H. Ash joined the organization in 2015.
The In-Session forum was launched in 2017.
The report From Living to Thriving was published in 2024.
Ash will officially depart the position on September 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The leadership change at Threewalls reflects a broader shift in the arts sector toward formalizing equity and sustainability through documented policy frameworks. This transition follows the structural foundations set by the organization's 2024 report, From Living to Thriving.
The interim leadership change ensures continuity for artists and stakeholders participating in current fellowships and forums. Participants should expect standard operations to continue under the new interim director until a permanent successor is appointed.
The takeaway
The departure marks a significant institutional milestone that highlights the evolving nature of arts leadership in Chicago. Stakeholders can anticipate further updates on the search process as the organization prepares for the upcoming leadership transition.
Further reading
For more news on the local cultural sector, visit Arts Theater — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Artforum.
