Basketball Museum of Illinois Names New Leadership Team

Dr. Jason Ronai appointed as Executive Director, Joe Dondanville as Chief Development Officer and Video Curator

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Basketball Museum of Illinois has announced the appointments of Dr. Jason Ronai as Executive Director and Joe Dondanville as Chief Development Officer and Video Curator, strengthening the organization's executive leadership team as it advances toward its anticipated 2027 opening at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park.

Why it matters

The new leadership appointments mark a significant milestone for the Museum, which will serve as a statewide destination celebrating the legends and stories that shaped Illinois' unparalleled basketball legacy. The Museum will also become the permanent home of the IBCA Hall of Fame.

The details

Dr. Ronai brings 25 years of experience in coaching, education, athletic administration, and nonprofit leadership, including seven seasons as the head high school basketball coach. Dondanville has more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across sports marketing, media, education, healthcare, and technology ventures. As Chief Development Officer, Dondanville will direct all fundraising efforts, and as Video Curator, he will collaborate to acquire and curate archival footage for the Museum's immersive exhibits.

  • The Basketball Museum of Illinois is scheduled to open in the first half of 2027.

The players

Dr. Jason Ronai

The Museum's first full-time Executive Director, bringing 25 years of experience in coaching, education, athletic administration, and nonprofit leadership.

Joe Dondanville

Appointed as Chief Development Officer and Video Curator, bringing more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across sports marketing, media, education, healthcare, and technology ventures.

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What they’re saying

“The Basketball Museum of Illinois brings together everything I believe in - sport, history, art, education, youth access, and impact. Illinois basketball has shaped the game nationally and globally. Illinois is basketball. We have a mystique, and I am honored to take on the enormous responsibility of properly celebrating all that contributed to this great game throughout the state. Legends will be honored, stories will be preserved, and we will work relentlessly to make this a world-class Museum and experience for all.”

— Dr. Jason Ronai, Executive Director

“The Basketball Museum of Illinois represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We are building more than exhibits. We are creating a living archive of the moments, players, teams, coaches, and communities that shaped the game in this state.”

— Joe Dondanville, Chief Development Officer and Video Curator

The takeaway

The new leadership team's complementary strengths in education, leadership development, fundraising, media, and historical storytelling underscore the Museum's commitment to disciplined growth, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability as it builds a permanent home for Illinois basketball.