CHICAGO — The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth today announced the appointments of Kim Grigsby, Esq., and Erik Madsen. Their combined expertise in law, public safety and community engagement will support the organization’s objectives to foster transformation, ingenuity and equity across all areas of its operations.

“These appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and community-centered leadership,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Kim and Erik bring unparalleled experience and integrity, and we are honored to welcome them to our team.”

Rosalyn Kimberly (“Kim”) Grigsby, Esq. – First Deputy Commissioner

Grigsby brings over twenty years of executive and legal experience, focusing on business, education, and labor law with an emphasis on arts, nonprofits, startups, and academic institutions. She has held leadership roles in organizations across various sectors and states, including Ignition Community Glass, Ensemble Español, and the Chicago Community ToolBank. Kim has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, implemented national legal oversight strategies, and currently practices law in South Carolina and Illinois.

She holds a JD from Howard University School of Law and a BA from Spelman College. She is currently pursuing an LLM in international law at DePaul University, focusing on cultural heritage and art law. Grigsby serves on several nonprofit boards, including Lawyers for the Creative Arts and the Museum of African American Dance, as well as Youth Crossroads. She was raised on an HBCU campus as the proud daughter of a HBCU campus president.

Erik Madsen – Deputy Commissioner, Operations and Permits

With over 25 years in law enforcement, Madsen is a veteran of the Chicago Police Department, where he served as sergeant, detective and patrol officer. His profound expertise in forensic and criminal investigations, city codes and ordinances, and large-scale event coordinator makes him a vital addition to the organization. As incident commander for major Chicago events, from parades to protests, Madsen built trust with community members while ensuring public safety at every level.

He also worked with Securitas Security Services USA as a site team manager, overseeing asset protection and staff coordination. Madsen holds degrees in criminal justice from Northeastern Illinois University and Triton College, and has received over 200 awards, including the Superintendent’s Award of Merit and the Life Saving Award.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.