Mary Grisolano

Chief Operating Officer Mary Grisolano is responsible for the growth and development of the revenue-generating businesses Opportunity Village operates to employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, provide workforce training, and support program services in providing day habilitation and recreational opportunities.

Mary has an entertainment background, having previously worked as the Managing Director of Blue Man Group for many years, followed by a role as Vice President of Operations for Cirque du Soleil, Resident Show Division. Mary has built short- and long-term growth plans, and developed complex teams within multiple disciplines to accomplish audacious goals, including relaunching seven shows post-COVID. And two of those shows were international!

Mary previously developed a sensory-friendly show experience, making it the first of its kind in Chicago, and oversaw the feat that is selling thousands of show tickets each evening. She prides herself on bringing creative thinking to operations and sustainability to art. Mary is thrilled to be working with the Opportunity Village team on a mission that is very dear to her heart.

Mary holds a BFA from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana in Theatre Studies. She is a former playwright who chased the dream for many years in New York before committing to her day job – leadership roles in the arts. Besides writing, her other interests include chairing the Annual Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) Epic Game Day, actively participating in local charities, practicing yoga and doing absolutely anything with her husband, two sons and their pup named Rooster.