The Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) announced on Thursday the appointment of Chicago-based leader Dana Loatman as its first executive director.

Established by Shannon Abloh and family to continue the legacy of her late husband, multi-hyphenate, Virgil Abloh, the VAF exists to break down barriers and creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented youth in creative fields. In her new role, Loatman will oversee the foundation’s operations, strategic planning, and program development.
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“Virgil was a visionary who believed deeply in not only opening doors – but keeping them open – for young creatives of color who would come after him,” said Loatman. “I am deeply honored to lead The Virgil Abloh Foundation and carry forward the incredible legacy that he envisioned. Together, with Shannon, partners and collaborators, I will work endlessly to create limitless pathways and build a more equitable and inclusive industry for the next generation of creatives.”

With more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, creative and social impact sectors, Loatman most recently served as chief of staff of external affairs for the Obama Foundation. In this role, Loatman oversaw the strategy and operations for the Obama Foundation’s community engagement, talent relations, marketing and communications work. Prior to that, Loatman served as an advisor to Obama Foundation CEO, Valerie Jarrett, building the corporate & foundations partnerships team from the ground up. Here, she secured over $100 million from major brands and developed partner collaborations with organizations such as Apple, Nike, NBA, TNT, Google, ESPN/Disney, BET, Pepsi, Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Loatman has also held international leadership positions at World Vision International, Yunus & Youth, the Institute for Nonprofit Practice and the Philanthropic Initiative at the Boston Foundation, among others.

​”Virgil and I first began investing in communities and youth more than two decades ago, so finding the person to take on the immense responsibility of leading the Foundation was something I took very seriously,” said Shannon Abloh, the Virgil Abloh Foundation founder and board president.

“We embarked on a thoughtful search to find a leader who embodies Virgil’s approach of reimagining what’s possible. I know he would be energized to see someone with Dana’s character, creativity and drive at the helm. Dana’s ability to rethink traditional ideas of philanthropy while crafting forward-thinking approaches ensures we continue to honor Virgil’s legacy in a way that stays true to his spirit.”

Loatman will be supported by VAF’s inaugural board of directors, which includes leaders from across fashion, nonprofit, philanthropic, and creative industries including Shannon Abloh, founder and president, Virgil Abloh Foundation; Marc Eckō, founding director, Complex Ntwrk; Howard Feller, president H Feller Enterprises; Naecia Dixon, Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholar and Color Designer, Men’s footwear, Nike; Monica Haslip, executive director, Little Black Pearl; and Corey Smith, VP and head of diversity, Equity and Inclusion at LVMH North America.