Dear DANK Haus Members, Friends, and Community,


It is with deep gratitude and warm wishes that we announce the departure of Heidi Christen as Executive Director of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center.


Heidi came to this role with a long-standing personal connection to our community — her family had been Friends of the DANK for several years, her children attended the DANK Language School, and she herself attended DANK classes in northern Chicago as a child. That personal history drew her to serve on the DANK Haus Board prior to stepping into the Executive Director role. While originally the intention was to fill it temporarily, her dedication to the organization and its mission kept her in the role for two years.

Heidi joined at the beginning of a major building infrastructure and accessibility upgrades project — the largest single project and investment in the long-term health of our historic building. A project of this size that encompassed our entire building came with significant complications that thanks to Heidi we were able to not only manage but continue to thrive and grow.


Her time here also came with strengthening our cultural programming, educational offerings, and community partnerships, keeping the DANK Haus a vital hub of German-American life in Lincoln Square. A major increase in corporate relationships and sponsorships, growing annual fundraising, and genuine stewardship of our donor community have also been significant parts of Heidi's impact.


We are grateful for Heidi's dedication and the mark she has left on this institution. The Board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, and we look forward to sharing more about our path ahead in the near future. While Heidi will be moving on from her role, we are excited that she will remain a Friend of DANK Haus, and we look forward to continuing to see her and her family as part of our community.


Please join us in thanking Heidi for her years of service and in continuing to support the DANK Haus community she helped strengthen.

Kenny Howanski, President

On behalf of the Board of Directors

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center