Arts Midwest is thrilled to welcome two new members to our Emeritus Board. Peter Capell and Rhoda Pierce joined the Emeritus Board in November 2021 after concluding their service on Arts Midwest’s Board of Directors. Together, Capell and Pierce served for a collective 41 years on Arts Midwest’s Board.
“I am so grateful to both Peter and Rhoda for their many contributions over their years serving on our Board,” President & CEO Torrie Allen said. “Their expertise, energy, and passion for the arts and creativity have been a boon for the organization, and the impacts of their involvement will remain with us for many years. I’m excited that we will continue to benefit from their leadership as they join the Emeritus Board.”
Peter Capell joined the Board in 1998 and assumed the role of Board Chair in 2012. As Chair, he led Arts Midwest through events such as the creation and launch of new national programs like Creating Connection; the development of Arts Midwest’s first major giving campaign; and a founder leadership transition. He built bridges between the Board and staff members, nurtured leadership among his fellow Board members, and brought his sharp business acumen to Arts Midwest’s operations and finances. From 1985–2012, Capell held a number of management and senior executive positions in marketing and general management at General Mills. He now runs a personal philanthropic foundation, which he started in 2012, and is an intrepid and inveterate world traveler.
“It’s the perfect time for me to move to our Emeritus Board after nine years of service as Board Chair of Arts Midwest,” Capell said. “Together, we have built a strong foundation for growth and service, supported a talented and motivated staff, and gathered an energized and involved Board. My sincere thanks to President & CEO Torrie Allen, President Emeritus David Fraher, our dedicated staff, and our incomparable Board for making my 24 years of Board service energizing, satisfying, and, yes, fun! It has been a pleasure!”
Rhoda Pierce has been actively engaged with the Illinois Arts Council Agency since 1986. She currently serves the agency as Vice Chair and previously held the position of Executive Director. She joined Arts Midwest’s Board of Directors in 2004. During her time on the Board, she has served in a number of leadership roles including as the Nominating Committee Chair, Treasurer, and Vice Chair. She has also chaired numerous grant and advisory panels for programs including Shakespeare in American Communities and the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. Most recently, she chaired the organization’s first-ever Transition and Search Committees, which helped identify Torrie Allen as Arts Midwest’s second President & CEO and oversaw a successful and supportive transition.
“Serving on the Board of Arts Midwest from 2004 until November 2021 has been a productive and rewarding time for me,” said Pierce. “I cannot do justice to how fully I appreciate how helpful the staff has been to me and what a pleasure it has been to work with so many talented people. Being asked to become a member of the Emeritus Board will keep me connected to Arts Midwest and to all of you.”
Established to recognize and celebrate those individuals who have served Arts Midwest’s Board of Directors with distinction, the Emeritus Board provides space for Arts Midwest to continue to collaborate with these close friends and colleagues and to honor their legacy of leadership to the organization. We are grateful for the service of Peter Capell and Rhoda Pierce and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.