Helene Gayle, David Peckinpaugh Begin Terms Oct. 1

Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees elected Dr. Helene D. Gayle and David Peckinpaugh to four-year terms of service at the body’s final meeting of the 2020 season on Aug. 29. The new trustee class officially begins its term on Oct. 1. 

Gayle, of Chicago, is president and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations. Under her leadership, the Trust has adopted a new strategic focus on closing the racial and ethnic wealth gap in the Chicago region. Gayle was previously president and CEO of CARE, and has also held leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She is a native of nearby Buffalo, New York.

Peckinpaugh, of St. Louis, is president of Maritz Global Events, providing strategic oversight for one of the most respected organizations in the events industry. He is a board member and founding co-chair of the Meetings Means Business Coalition in conjunction with the U.S. Travel Association, past chairman of the PCMA Education Foundation and a board member for Pedal the Cause in St. Louis. He is a native of nearby Cleveland, Ohio.

“We’re honored to welcome these brilliant individuals to our trustee table, and grateful for their commitment and service to the critically important mission and work of Chautauqua Institution,” said Candace Maxwell, chair of the Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees. “Helene and David are two of the most accomplished and respected leaders in their respective areas of expertise. Chautauqua is fortunate to benefit from their perspectives­­­­ as we continue to realize the opportunities outlined in our strategic plan and respond thoughtfully and creatively to this historic moment for our organization, our nation and our world.”