Chris Mekal

Chris is an experienced nonprofit consultant and financial strategist with over 25 years of expertise guiding cultural organizations through transformational change. At The Umbrella, he oversees finances and successfully managed a $20 million project renovating artists' studios and constructing a new performing arts center.

His career spans leadership roles at major cultural institutions, including directing finances and operations at Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and directing the development and construction of the Institute of Contemporary Art's acclaimed waterfront building in Boston’s Seaport, a $50 million project.  He performed a similar role for the Concord Free Public Library, as Owner’s Project Manager, in its recent expansion.

Chris's consulting practice focuses on strategic planning, organizational development, and capital project management for museums, performing arts venues, and historic sites. His clients have included programs of the Pew Charitable Trusts; Williams College Museum of Art; Fort Point Arts Community; and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

He is a graduate of Tufts University, with a BA in International Relations and French, and lives with his partner in Jamaica Plain.  He is also a printmaker and member of The Boston Printmakers.