Meet the Board
Our board is governed by passionate anime fans, life-long learners, and aspiring leaders. We meet every Sunday to plan events, advocate for community partners, and manage our organization’s growth. We’re committed to producing new and exciting anime experiences for all Chicagoans as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Jamie
Founder, President
Jamie is a designer, developer, and marketer obsessed with community building. She created AnimeChicago.com to connect anime fans to local events in 2006. Little did she know – this project would shape her career and network for life! Jamie is also co-founder of the interactive arts festival Bit Bash and a VGA Gallery board member. Her top 3 anime: Cowboy Bebop, Mushishi, and Nodame Cantabile.
Jeremy
Vice-President
Jeremy is an analyst and programmer supporting enterprise data management. He has been an AnimeChicago member since 2012 and a board member since 2014. Jeremy loves discussing anime with fellow fans, and is the main moderator for AnimeChicago’s Anime Circle discussions. His top 3 anime are Fullmetal Alchemist, Samurai Champloo, and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
JPod
Secretary
JPod is a data analyst who specializes in visualization and dashboards. He has been an AnimeChicago board member since 2017 where his focus is on developing new programs, expanding creative endeavors, and general research. He enjoys writing about anime, Magic: the Gathering, and craft beer. His top 3 anime are Neon Genesis Evangelion, Serial Experiments Lain, and Cowboy Bebop.
Gabe
Treasurer, Systems Admin
Gabe is a senior systems engineer for a large enterprise company. He’s passionate about rhythm games, cosplay photography, and finding creative solutions within challenging constraints. Gabe has been board Treasurer since 2014, and he hosts our quarterly Anime Sampler. His top 3 anime are Puella Magi Madoka Magica, One Piece, and Kill la Kill.
Neil
Director of Research
Neil is a Business Intelligence Analyst and administrator who has been active in anime fandom since the early 2000s. Neil runs Anime Deep Dive, Manga Circle, and has been a board member since 2012. He has an interest in anime and manga that are overlooked and underappreciated and loves film in general. He loves anime like Studio Ghibli films, Satoshi Kon’s work, high budget bubble economy anime and late night mind bending shows from the late 90s / early 00s like Serial Experiments Lain or Paranoia Agent.
Grace
MC and Editor
Grace is an HR professional working in engagement, culture, and DEI. She met Jamie through a shared love of anime and building community, and officially joined the AnimeChicago Board in 2020. She acts as MC in our major events, and helps in the background with policy development and editing. Her top 3 anime are Sailor Moon, Yuri on Ice!!, and the movie Your Name.
A Million Thank Yous!
We owe so much to our current contributors and past volunteers. We couldn’t have made all of these amazing things happen without their support and continued encouragement.
Thank you, Shaun, Ruben, Jason, Nik, Natasha, and many others!