Sarah Herda & Maurice Cox

Sarah Herda is the director of the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts. Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society and is the largest foundation in the United States committed to awarding project-based grants to individuals and institutions working at the forefront of architecture. She has expanded the international grantmaking program and transformed the Foundation’s headquarters, the historic Madlener House in Chicago, into a significant exhibition space, with an active program of talks, performances, and other events. 

Please visit the UIA 2023 website to learn more about Sarah Herda.

Maurice Cox was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and confirmed by the City Council on October 16, 2019.

Celebrated for his experience merging architecture, design and politics through multiple public, private and elected positions, Cox is responsible for leading DPD's economic development, planning and zoning functions while fostering community-improvement initiatives throughout the city. His primary focus is under-invested neighborhoods on the South and West sides.

Please visit the City of Chicago website to learn more about Maurice D. Cox.