Clarissa Short is the Director of Business & Administration. Clarissa oversees budgeting, human resources, and facilities operations. She leads financial planning, policy development, and administrative operations across DePaul’s campuses. She works closely with library leadership, faculty, staff, and university partners to manage budgets, coordinate facility improvements, oversee contracts, and guide human resources processes. She brings a proven record of operational leadership in higher education, most recently as the Associate Director of Operations for DePaul Executive Education, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to building systems that strengthen academic and community engagement.
Clarissa has been an alto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus since 2018. She served as Director of Development & Operations for Chicago Fringe Opera, where she secured significant funding, including a DCASE City Arts Grant, and oversaw organizational operations. Her experience also includes work with GG+A now Huron | GG+A Global Philanthropy, a philanthropic consulting firm supporting not for profit organizations ranging from arts & culture institutions to higher education, and multiple roles at Northeastern Illinois University.
Outside of work, Clarissa lives in Chicago with her husband, operatic tenor Aaron Short, and their dog, Shakira. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and exploring new restaurants around the city.