Francesca Casadio

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT FRANCESCA CASADIO

I am a senior museum executive with two decades of experience leading complex teams, securing major philanthropic investment, and building innovative partnerships that strengthen mission-driven institutions. As Vice President & Grainger Executive Director of Conservation and Science at the Art Institute of Chicago, I oversee a multidisciplinary staff of 40+ and shape institutional priorities across conservation, scientific research, and public engagement at one of the world’s foremost museumsI founded and scaled the museum’s scientific research laboratory and have helped raise $90M+ in support of conservation programs, endowed positions, research initiatives, and capital projects.I brings strategic vision, collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making and a proven ability to unite institutions, researchers, funders, and the public around transformative and innovative initiatives.I am the co-founder of NU-ACCESS, a nationally recognized partnership between the Art Institute and Northwestern University that has become a benchmark for how science serves art and heritage. This model reflects my commitment to leveraging strategic alliances to expand institutional capacity, research excellence, education and public engagement.With 100+ publications, an honorary doctorate from Sorbonne University, and international recognition including the L’Oréal Art & Science of Color Silver Prize, I bring thought leadership and credibility across the U.S. and European cultural sectors. My work has been featured by The New York Times, BBC, and Vogue Italia, underscoring my ability to elevate institutional visibility and articulate a compelling public narrative.I offer a proven record of strategic growth, fundraising success, talent development, global perspective and cross-sector collaboration—key drivers for museums and cultural organizations navigating transformation, expansion, and the future of public engagement.