Jonathan Pacheco is one of Chicago’s promising young cultural leaders, currently serving as the Executive Office and Campaign Manager at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Steppenwolf, a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural landscape, boasts prestigious accolades such as the National Medal of Arts and twelve Tony Awards.
In his role, Pacheco oversees operations and project management for the theatre’s Executive Office and spearheads a historic $73 million capital campaign to expand the theatre’s campus.
During his tenure, Pacheco has played a pivotal role as campaign manager in realizing the new Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center, a monumental achievement for Steppenwolf and the city of Chicago. This 50,000–square–foot education center—which opened in 2021—is the largest cultural asset unveiled in the city that year.
With the introduction of Steppenwolf’s first-ever dedicated education space, the center facilitates expanding the company’s education program, accommodating up to 30,000 students annually. Additionally, the center features the 400-seat Ensemble Theater alongside classrooms, a new bar, and cutting-edge costume and production spaces.
A proud Chicago native of Puerto Rican heritage, Pacheco graduated summa cum laude with highest honors from Northeastern Illinois University in 2017.
Actively engaged in Chicago’s cultural community, he also contributes as a member of the acclaimed Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.
Through this premier dance company, Pacheco tours nationally and internationally, sharing his Hispanic heritage and the transformative power of dance with audiences worldwide.
Words of Wisdom: You must have a vision for your life. Then, make sure every decision you make leads you to making that vision a reality. -Jonathan Pacheco.
