Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua, NY · Founded 1960

Educational and cultural institution offering programs in arts, education, religion, and recreation

Primary audience
General Public
Work area
Cultural Programming
Topic
Arts and Education
Contact
Michael E Hill

About Organization

Chautauqua Institution operates a community dedicated to exploring arts, education, faith, and ideas through seasonal programming. Based in Chautauqua, NY, the organization reported $63.4 million in revenue and employed 1,167 staff members in 2024. The institution combines performances, lectures, interfaith dialogue, and visual arts programming.

What They Focus On

Arts & Culture

Presenting music, theater, dance, visual arts, and literary programming through performances and exhibitions

Education & Ideas

Facilitating public discourse through lectures, seminars, and discussions on contemporary issues

Interfaith Dialogue

Bringing together diverse religious and spiritual traditions for worship, learning, and conversation

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$63.4M

+0% vs 2024

Assets (2024)

$304.4M

+0% vs 2024

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024
2024 $63,353,734 $47,797,379 $304,394,015 1,167
2023
2023 $49,343,507 $43,568,379 $272,076,823 1,132
2022
2022 $44,067,760 $43,716,149 $249,568,739 1,175
2020
2020 $15,373,676 $24,114,016 $118,476,230 468
2019 $31,943,957 $32,477,841 $124,671,752 1,183
2018 $31,801,004 $31,453,926 $124,338,541 1,227

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

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Seasonal Programming

    Organizing nine-week summer season with daily programs across arts, education, and faith traditions

  • 02

    Community Gathering

    Creating spaces for audiences to engage with artists, educators, and thinkers in person

  • 03

    Educational Delivery

    Presenting lectures, performances, and workshops through resident staff and visiting talent

  • 04

    Year-Round Impact

    Extending programming beyond summer through digital platforms and off-season events

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Chautauqua Institution

Arts Programming

Presenting visual and performing arts through music, theater, dance, and exhibitions throughout the season

Educational Lectures

Hosting thought leaders, authors, and educators for public discourse on contemporary issues and ideas

Literary Arts

Supporting writers and readers through readings, workshops, and the Writers' Center programming

Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra

Providing classical music performances and music education under the direction of the Music Director

Interfaith Programs

Facilitating dialogue among diverse faith traditions through worship services, lectures, and discussions

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Chautauqua Institution.

ME

Michael E Hill

CFO
Full-time
Compensation: $416,195
GL

George L Follansbee Jr

Sr VP & Chief Advancement Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $233,834
DS

Deborah S Moore

Sr VP & Chief Program Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $233,632
AT

Amit Taneja

Sr VP & Chief Diversity Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $221,408
AS

Angela Schuettler

Chief Financial Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $188,731
EM

Emily Morris

Sr VP & Chief Brand Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $188,577
JS

Jennifer Stitely

Director Of Gift Planning
Full-time
Compensation: $181,011
EC

Edward C Alexander II

Director Of Literary Arts
Full-time
Compensation: $139,846
RM

Rossen Milanov

Music Director Of Cso
Full-time
Compensation: $131,300
AB

Amber Blashak

Sr Director Of Human Resources
Full-time
Compensation: $129,383
DE

Deborah E Moore

Executive Director - Foundation
1 hrs/week
ME

Michael E Hill

CFO
SB

Sebastian Baggiano

Executive VP
Full-time
Compensation: $233,889
MW

Mark Wenzler

DIR, Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative
Full-time
Compensation: $207,667
AG

Amy Gardner

VP Of Advancement & Campaign Officer
Full-time
Compensation: $202,017
JS

John Shedd

VP Of Campus Planning & Operations
Full-time
Compensation: $177,805
VW

Vanessa Weinert

VP Of Marketing & Communications
Full-time
Compensation: $157,000
MS

Melissa Spas

VP Of Religion
Full-time
Compensation: $156,968
LS

Laura Savia

VP Of Visual & Performing Arts
Full-time
Compensation: $145,120
RE

Richard Erickson

Dir Of Accounting And Finance
Full-time
Compensation: $112,080

Milestones

1960

IRS Recognition

1960

Received tax-exempt status as a nonprofit educational and cultural institution

2020

Pandemic Adaptation

2020

Revenue declined to $15.4 million as programming adapted to COVID-19 restrictions

2022

Recovery Phase

2022

Revenue reached $44.1 million as in-person programming resumed post-pandemic

2024

Growth Milestone

2024

Revenue reached $63.4 million with staffing at 1,167 employees

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

SR
Shannon Rozner Sr VP, General Counsel & Secretary 40.0 hrs/week · $230,645
JS
Jordan Steves Emily And Richard Smucker Chair Of Education 40.0 hrs/week · $108,359
AL
Anita Lin Trustee (Thru 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
BW
Bob W Obee Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
CL
Candace Littell Maxwell Chair 11.0 hrs/week
DP
David Peckinpaugh Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
DP
David Pelton Trustee (As Of 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
GA
Gwen Adams Norton Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
HD
Helene D Gayle Trustee (Thru 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
IH
Izumi Hara Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
JV
J Veronica Biggins Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
JP
Jill Penrose Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
KJ
Karen J Goodell Trustee (As Of 10/24) 6.0 hrs/week
LD
Larry D Thompson Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
LB
Laurie Branch Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
MP
Marnette Perry Vice-Chair 5.0 hrs/week
MB
Matt Benson Trustee (As Of 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
MD
Michael D Metzger Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
MA
Michelle Adelman Trustee (As Of 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
NG
Nancy Gibbs Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
NS
Nancy S Kyler Trustee (Thru 10/24) 9.0 hrs/week
PH
Paul Hagman Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
RJ
Richard J Osborne Trustee 8.0 hrs/week
RW
Richard Wade Trustee (Thru 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week
RE
Rick Evans Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
SP
Sara Ponkow Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
SH
Sarah Hagen McWilliams Trustee 4.0 hrs/week
SJ
Stephen J Zenczak Trustee 6.0 hrs/week
SM
Stephen Messinger Trustee 7.0 hrs/week
TH
Terrance H Horner Jr Trustee 7.0 hrs/week
WH
William H Neches Trustee (Thru 10/24) 4.0 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$3.7M

Highest Paid

$472K

Michael E Hill

Compensated Officers

15

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Michael E Hill President $416,195 $55,806 $472,001 40
Deborah S Moore SR VP & Chief Program Officer $233,632 $41,367 $274,999 40
Sebastian Baggiano Executive VP $233,889 $39,716 $273,605 40
George L Follansbee JR SR VP & Chief Advancement Officer $233,834 $38,338 $272,172 40
Shannon Rozner SR VP, General Counsel & Secretary $230,645 $34,778 $265,423 40
Amit Taneja SR VP & Chief Diversity Officer $221,408 $38,711 $260,119 40
Mark Wenzler DIR, Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative $207,667 $40,199 $247,866 40
Amy Gardner VP Of Advancement & Campaign Officer $202,017 $39,741 $241,758 40
Emily Morris SR VP & Chief Brand Officer $188,577 $35,277 $223,854 40
John Shedd VP Of Campus Planning & Operations $177,805 $34,768 $212,573 40
Jennifer Stitely Director Of Gift Planning $181,011 $16,985 $197,996 40
Vanessa Weinert VP Of Marketing & Communications $157,000 $33,422 $190,422 40
Angela Schuettler Chief Financial Officer $188,731 $188,731 40
Melissa Spas VP Of Religion $156,968 $24,278 $181,246 40
Laura Savia VP Of Visual & Performing Arts $145,120 $13,269 $158,389 40

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

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$885 Total Given
Democratic $885 (100%)
34 Contributions
$26 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

5 Individual Donors
JR
Jacqueline R. Zakrewsky 1 contribution • $250 avg
$250
DN
Dustin Nelson 9 contributions • $23 avg
$205
VW
Vanessa Weinert 1 contribution • $193 avg
$193
BM
Braiden Mcelhaney 21 contributions • $7 avg
$137
MW
Mark Wenzler 2 contributions • $50 avg
$100

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor Braiden Mcelhaney with 21 contributions
💰
Highest Avg per Contribution Mark Wenzler at $50 each
🎯
Top Recipient HARRIS VICTORY — $840

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$4.7M

Total Forgiven

$4.8M

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

401

Loan Details 2 loans

$2,723,900
Forgiven
Forgiven: $2,754,796 100%
Approved Apr 15, 2020
Lender Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
Jobs Reported 177
Forgiven On Jun 9, 2021
$2,000,000
Forgiven
Forgiven: $2,022,795 100%
Approved Mar 17, 2021
Lender Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
Jobs Reported 224
Forgiven On May 10, 2022

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$7.1M Grants Received
23 Organizations

Top Funders

23 total
CF
Chautauqua Foundation Inc.
$5.7M
CL
Chautauqua Lake And Watershed
$500K
FI
Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
$261K
AO
American Online Giving Foundation Inc.
$88K
TA
The Ayco Charitable Foundation
$82K
TC
The Chicago Community Trust 2 grants
$68K
CW
Chautauqua Women's Club Inc.
$65K
BM
Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund
$60K
FF
Foundation For Jewish
$27K
CH
Crawford Heritage Community Foundation
$22K
+13 more funders
Chautauqua Foundation Inc. Chautauqua Lake And Watershed Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund American Online Giving Foundation Inc. The Ayco Charitable Foundation The Chicago Community Trust Chautauqua Women's Club Inc. Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Foundation For Jewish Crawford Heritage Community Foundation American Endowment Foundation Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. The Cleveland Foundation The Pittsburgh Foundation Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing Northern Chautauqua Community Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library Community Foundation For Southeast San Antonio Area Foundation Chautauqua Region Community Hudson Community Foundation T Rowe Price Program For Charitable Rsf Social Finance Inc.
Chautauqua Foundation Inc. Chautauqua Lake And Watershed Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund American Online Giving Foundation Inc. The Ayco Charitable Foundation The Chicago Community Trust Chautauqua Women's Club Inc. Bny Mellon Charitable Gift Fund Foundation For Jewish Crawford Heritage Community Foundation American Endowment Foundation Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. The Cleveland Foundation The Pittsburgh Foundation Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing Northern Chautauqua Community Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library Community Foundation For Southeast San Antonio Area Foundation Chautauqua Region Community Hudson Community Foundation T Rowe Price Program For Charitable Rsf Social Finance Inc.

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Chautauqua Institution

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Po Box 28 Chautauqua, NY 14722