Director of Public Engagement and Programs

Seasoned executive and an astute connector, David Day has joined the Till Institute to lead our public engagement and programming mission. David has worked in multiple roles in the nonprofit, government and private sectors. Most recently, David served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, where he played an essential role in effectively managing the operational growth of the organization across a number of offices around the US.

Prior to Rainbow PUSH, David was the Vice President of Development at Chicago State University, and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the National Black MBA Association.

David is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the premier youth mentoring organization, the 100 Black Men of Chicago and is a member of the Development and Corporate Relations Committee at the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He also serves as the Vice President of Operations for the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

Creative Director

Till Institute Creative Director, Raymond A. Thomas, is an international award-winning fine artist, filmmaker, creative, curator and teacher. Thomas graduated from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

After graduating, Thomas was hired by Johnson Publishing Company Inc. where he served as the Art Director and Creative Manager for 23 years. Thomas has served as a board and committee member for many  renowned Chicago art institutions including: Little Black Pearl, Black Harvest Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival Black Perspectives Sidebar, Chicago Public Art Group and South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC).

Thomas is currently the Art Director for the Jazz Institute of Chicago as well as a resident artist at the Bronzeville Artist Lofts in Chicago.