Association Of Independent Colleges Of

Providence, RI · Founded 1991

Consortium of 36 independent art and design colleges advancing quality education through research and collaboration

Primary audience
College students
Work area
Educational support
Topic
Art and design education
Contact
Deborah Obalil
Website Contact

About Organization

The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design serves as a consortium connecting 36 nonprofit independent colleges of art and design across the United States and Canada. Based in Providence, RI, the organization conducts research, conferences, and symposia to promote quality art and design education while providing information to the public about college-level creative programs. With annual revenue of $1.3 million and supported by 100 volunteers, the association has operated since 1991 to strengthen member institutions' educational offerings.

What They Focus On

Educational Quality

Promoting excellence in art and design education through research, standards development, and member institution support

Student Access

Providing comprehensive information to help prospective students find the right art and design college programs

Professional Development

Facilitating knowledge exchange among educators and administrators through conferences, symposia, and collaborative research

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2021)

$1.3M

+34.2% vs 2020

Expenses (2021)

$1.0M

+19.1% vs 2020

Assets (2021)

$796K

+61.6% vs 2020

Employees (2021)

3

-25% vs 2020

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2021 $1,309,462 $1,014,510 $795,638 3
2020 $976,092 $851,976 $492,455 4
2019 $1,033,213 $976,919 $382,953 4
2018 $1,080,859 $1,116,302 $388,944 4
2017 $1,026,022 $1,021,564 $360,967 3

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Information Gathering

    Collect data on art and design education trends, programs, and student outcomes from member institutions

  • 02

    Research & Analysis

    Conduct studies on educational quality, best practices, and emerging needs in creative higher education

  • 03

    Knowledge Sharing

    Organize conferences and symposia for educators and administrators to exchange insights and strategies

  • 04

    Public Outreach

    Disseminate findings and information to prospective students, families, and the broader public

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Association Of Independent Colleges Of

Public Information Services

Provides comprehensive information to prospective students and families about art and design college programs and career pathways

Research & Quality Standards

Conducts research to promote and improve educational quality across member art and design colleges

Conferences & Symposia

Organizes professional development events and collaborative forums for member institutions to share best practices

Member School Support

Provides resources and guidance to enhance the quality and visibility of member schools' offerings

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Association Of Independent Colleges Of.

DO

Deborah Obalil

President & Executive Dire
Full-time
Compensation: $184,000

Milestones

1991

AICAD Founded

1991

Established consortium to unite independent art and design colleges across North America

1992

IRS Recognition Granted

1992

Received tax-exempt status to advance educational mission and serve member institutions

2019

Revenue Stabilization

2019

Maintained consistent funding around $1 million annually to support core programs

2021

Growth to $1.3M

2021

Reached highest revenue level while expanding volunteer network to 100 participants

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AD
Amy Deines Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
AS
Ana Serrano Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CF
Cecilia Fitzgibbon Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CH
Charles Hirschhorn Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
CJ
Clint Jukkula Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DD
Daniel Doz Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DP
David Proulx Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DR
David Rhodes Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DS
David Sprouls Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DY
David Yager Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
DT
Donald Tuski Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
ET
Elisa Tenny Chair 1.00 hrs/week
FB
Frances Bronet Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
GS
Gillian Siddal Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
GW
Gretchen Wilkins Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JD
Jean Dahlgren Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JM
Jeffrey Morin Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JC
Jennifer Cole Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JR
Jennifer Rissler Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
JG
Joseph Girandola Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
KS
Kurt Steinberg Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
LT
Larry Thompson Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
LF
Laura Freid Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
LB
Lorne Buchman Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MK
Mary K Grant Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
MC
Melanie Corn Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
MM
Michael Molla Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
NH
Nate Harrison Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RS
Rachel Schreiber Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RR
Ravi Rajan Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
RT
Raymond Tymas-Jones Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SH
Samuel Hoi Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SS
Sanjit Sethi Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week
SM
Sarah McKinnon Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SB
Steve Beal Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
SB
Steven Brittan Trustee 1.00 hrs/week
TJ
Tony Jones Trustee 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2021)

$204K

Highest Paid

$204K

Deborah Obalil

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Deborah Obalil President & Executive Dire $184,000 $20,108 $204,108 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
6 Registrations
6 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 6 total

American Association Of Independent Music
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Mortgage Experts (Aime)
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Rental Operators
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Research Institutes
1 filing
Self
National Association Of Independent Schools, Inc..
1 filing
Self
A
Association Of Indepenedent Passenger Rail Operators
1 filing

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Association Of Independent Colleges Of

Phone

(401) 270-5991

Social

Visit Website
236 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906