David McDermott (Executive Director, he/him) manages organization-wide strategy and administrative functions including oversight of Hubbard Street’s finances, operations, marketing, and development departments. Most recently, he led Hubbard Street through a post-COVID-19 restructuring, guided its digital first strategy, and directed the company’s recent move to Water Tower Place.

Prior to joining Hubbard Street, he served as the First Deputy Commissioner at the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. In this role, he managed the day-to-day operations of the department and played instrumental roles in major initiatives such as creating the Chicago Cultural Plan and the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Prior to his employment with the City, he served as Senator Durbin’s Political and Community Outreach Director and has managed political campaigns at the congressional, county, and municipal levels. He recently completed a fellowship at the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy and holds a degree in Public Policy from Trinity College at the University of Dublin.