Justin Berkowitz is Director of Individual Giving at the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC), bringing extensive experience in development, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and the performing arts. Passionate about building community and increasing opportunities for music immersion and education, he joins MIC following four seasons as Executive Director of Chicago’s William Ferris Chorale (WFC), while also overseeing operations for Art Song Chicago. In these roles, he led audience and donor community expansion, launched public partnerships, and supported world-premiere commissions.
Prior to joining WFC and Art Song Chicago, Justin worked for The Executives’ Club of Chicago, leading programming, partnerships, and events for members of the storied organization serving Chicago’s business community. He began his development career at Lyric Opera of Chicago, working with the Women’s Board and overseeing special events and galas, including its 2018 Wine Auction, which netted more than $2.2 million.
A classically trained tenor, Justin has appeared locally with Chicago Opera Theater, Haymarket Opera Theater, and DuPage Opera Theater, and as a soloist with Chicago Philharmonic, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, The Apollo Chorus, and Windy City Chorus. He is also a member of the Grant Park Music Festival Chorus and Chicago Symphony Chorus.