As a Program Officer for arts and culture at the Mellon Foundation, Deana Haggag is instrumental in the development of innovative projects and the molding of grantmaking initiatives to support a diverse array of artists and cultural institutions across the country. Before joining the Mellon Foundation, Haggag was President and CEO of United States Artists, overseeing substantial development, expanding the fellowship award program, and introducing the Berresford Prize. She has been a key player in coalition initiatives such as Disability Futures, which is designed to increase the visibility of disabled creative practitioners, and Artist Relief, a $25 million initiative to provide support to artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Haggag's leadership is apparent in her role as the Executive Director of The Contemporary, an art museum. Additionally, she is an active consultant, contributor to cultural publications, and lecturer, with teaching stints at Johns Hopkins University and Towson University. Haggag holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and philosophy from Rutgers University and an MFA in curatorial practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She also serves on the board of The Underground Museum and councils for Prospect.5 and Recess, demonstrating her commitment to fostering artistic and cultural innovation.