The Rothko Chapel will be closed on May 6th; we apologize for the inconvience.
May 05, 2026
HOUSTON, TX (May 5, 2026) - Rothko Chapel has announced three incoming Board members of distinction, further strengthening their advisory leadership team. Each brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to the Chapel’s mission, helping guide continued impacts focused on amplifying art, interfaith dialogue and human rights locally, nationally and globally.
Rothko Chapel is pleased to announce the following new members elected to the Board:
Francois de Menil, son of Rothko Chapel founders John and Dominique de Menil, is an architect and filmmaker whose work blends history, spirituality and contemporary life. His design of the Byzantine Fresco Chapel in Houston is a landmark uniting architecture, preservation and spiritual meaning. He has led a boutique design studio for over 30 years, undertaking institutional, residential, retail and corporate projects.
Dan Sallick specializes in uncovering bold ideas for policymakers, media and stakeholders. He co-founded Home Front Communications, which evolved into Avoq, a fully integrated communications, advertising and government relations agency with over 200 employees across five cities. Earlier, he held senior political communications roles, including Press Secretary to House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt. A modern art collector, Dan chaired the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum Board from 2016-2024 and was elected to the Guggenheim Museum Board in 2024. He is a Rollins College graduate and former Division II All-American tennis player on the 1991 NCAA national championship team. He currently lives in Washington, D.C.
Christopher Knapp has over 36 years of experience as an investment advisor and entrepreneur. He started at Brown Brothers Harriman, co-founded and served as CEO of Chilton Capital Management, and later founded and was CEO of Collaboration Capital, an advisory practice focused on ESG principles. A strong believer in civic leadership, Chris has served on the boards of The Honors College at the University of Houston, BridgeUp at Menninger, Hermann Park Conservancy, Houston Parks Board, Memorial Park Conservancy, The John Fairey Garden and Workshop Houston. He holds a BA in Art History and History from Williams College.
“The 2026 class of new board members is a powerful reminder that, at pivotal moments, the right people step forward, bringing the insight, experience and vision needed to help guide the Rothko Chapel into its next chapter,” said Troy Porter, Chairman of the Board.
“With this new leadership, Rothko Chapel is well positioned for its next chapter,” said Abdullah Antepli, President of the Rothko Chapel. “Francois, Dan and Christopher bring dedication to our mission, along with leadership experience, cultural enterprise and community engagement. Their combined experience in architecture, communications, investment and civic service will be invaluable as we continue to advance our work.”
The new members are committed to elevating Rothko Chapel’s multifaceted mission by expanding access and fostering a more inclusive environment. As they step into their roles, they aim to build meaningful connections and encourage dialogue that celebrates the human spirit. Together, they will help strengthen the Board of Directors’ role as a driving force in advancing awareness for Rothko Chapel locally, nationally and internationally.
For questions or inquiries about the new or current board members, please contact Eliane Baaklini at rothkochapel@likemindstalk.com.
PHOTOS & 2026-2027 BOARD MEMBER DIRECTORY
Click here for new board member images.
Click here for the full Rothko Chapel Board Member Directory.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Rothko Chapel.
ABOUT ROTHKO CHAPEL
The Rothko Chapel serves as a reflective, sacred space and presents programming that promotes spirituality, creativity, dialogue and action leading to more equitable, empowered and engaged communities in Houston and beyond. Founded by Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an interfaith, nonsectarian sanctuary and invites visitors from around the world to experience the power and sanctity of Mark Rothko’s monumental paintings alongside Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk sculpture dedicated to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Chapel is open for daily visitation Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am-6 pm.