Dana Loatman Appointed as First Executive Director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation

Dana Loatman: A New Era for the Virgil Abloh Foundation

On February 26, 2025, the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF) revealed its first Executive Director, Dana Loatman, marking a significant moment in the organization’s mission to honor the legacy of its namesake, Virgil Abloh. Established by Shannon Abloh and her family after the untimely passing of Virgil, this foundation aims to promote opportunities for young, underrepresented creatives in various artistic fields.

A Visionary Leader

Dana Loatman brings with her over ten years of invaluable experience in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Her prior position as Chief of Staff of External Affairs for the Obama Foundation allowed her to play a crucial role in initiatives aimed at community engagement and organizational growth. Throughout her tenure, she was instrumental in securing over $100 million in partnerships with notable corporations such as Apple, Nike, and Google. Loatman’s extensive network and proven record of advocating for equity and inclusion set a promising foundation for her future work with VAF.

When Shannon Abloh expressed her commitment to finding a leader who encapsulates her husband's creative vision, she noted the importance of Dana's creative problem-solving and her ability to transform traditional philanthropy. This alignment with Virgil’s ideals was a decisive factor in her selection as Executive Director.

Continuing Virgil Abloh’s Legacy

Virgil Abloh was a groundbreaking figure in design and innovation, notable for being the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton and the founder of the globally revered brand Off-White. His passion for nurturing diverse voices in creative industries inspired his vision, which Dana is now entrusted to carry forward. Loatman’s commitment to the Foundation and her understanding of Abloh’s ideals assure that the organization will remain dedicated to breaking down barriers for young talents.

One of the first initiatives Loatman is likely to pursue is building on the existing partnerships that the Foundation has with influential institutions, like the Royal College of Arts, and expanding the Virgil Abloh™