Lloyd A. Fry Foundation names new President, Dr. Sherly Chavarria

October 31, 2025

Chicago – The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Chicago faced with challenges rooted in inequity, announced today the appointment of Dr. Sherly Chavarria as its new President effective January 1, 2026. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s work to partner with effective organizations that share a commitment to building a community in which all individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive.

“Thrilled—just thrilled,” stated Graham C. Grady, Board Chair. “Sherly has been an exceptional member of our team for several years and will be a highly effective leader in the position as president of the Foundation. The board and staff are honored that Sherly has accepted the position, particularly in view of the challenging times faced by the people served by the Foundation. The strength and commitment that Sherly brings to the position are welcomed and timely.”

"I am deeply honored to serve as the next President of the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation,” stated Dr. Chavarria. “For more than 40 years, the Foundation has worked in partnership with Chicago’s nonprofit organizations to expand opportunity and improve the lives of people across our city. I look forward to working in partnership with the Board, staff, and our grantee partners to carry forward the Fry Foundation’s legacy of clarity, integrity, and partnership to continue advancing our shared commitment to Chicago.”

About the New President

Dr. Chavarria is a mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience addressing systemic barriers in education, public service, and philanthropy. She brings deep experience leading instructional improvement and systems change, from her tenure as Chief of Teaching and Learning and school principal in Chicago Public Schools to her current role as Senior Education Program Officer at the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.

She holds a doctorate in education and currently serves on the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative, contributing to statewide strategy and governance efforts that inform equitable education policy. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to aligning people, policy, and practice to achieve lasting impact. She will continue this work as President, leading the Foundation in advancing its three interwoven pillars in arts learning, employment, and education.

Dr. Chavarria will succeed Unmi Song, the esteemed long-serving leader of the Foundation and distinguished member of the philanthropic community who is retiring in December.

The Foundation was assisted in the search by Morten Group, LLC. For more information about the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, visit fryfoundation.org.

Board of Directors

Graham C. Grady, Chair

Librada Killian, Vice Chair

Amina Dickerson

Lloyd A. Fry, III

Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall

Howard M. McCue