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ALYSSA D. QUINLAN is CEO of Freeman’s | Hindman, overseeing strategy and day-to-day operations, as well as the firm’s ongoing expansion in locations, services, and expertise. She has 25 years of diversified business experience, with leadership experience in private banking and wealth management in addition to fine art auction and appraisal services. Since returning to Hindman in 2019 as Chief Business Development Officer, Quinlan has renewed her commitment to auctioneering—a skill she first learned from her mentor Leslie Hindman. As a sought-after charity auctioneer, she has helped to raise funds for the Salvation Army and Rush University Woman’s Board, among many others. She is an active member of Chief, the professional network for women executive leaders, as well as YPO, and supports arts and cultural organizations in her hometown of Chicago, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Luminarts Cultural Foundation, and the Women’s Board of Ravinia.
What conversations are you passionate about bringing to the table? I’m passionate about conversations at the intersection of art and finance. Whether it’s estate planning, charitable giving, or using art as collateral, I enjoy helping clients navigate where financial goals and cultural assets meet.
What’s a trend you’re embracing—or challenging? I’m mindful of the growing trend toward commoditizing communication. While texts and emails are convenient, a phone call or face-to-face meeting creates a deeper connection and often gets things done more quickly. To me, those real conversations build the trust and understanding that matter most.
What excites you most about the future of your industry? While fine art will always be in demand, I’m excited by the growing interest in categories like antiquities, luxury handbags, signed jewelry, and rare books and manuscripts. This broader curiosity is driving strong results—despite a softer art market overall, Freeman’s | Hindman saw nearly 9 percent growth in the first half of 2025. It’s an exciting moment to see how collecting is evolving.
How do you give back to your community or industry? One of the most meaningful ways I give back is through charity auctioneering. Many nonprofits rely on a single annual event to raise a significant portion of their funding, so the stakes are high. It’s exhilarating for me to step on stage and help drive that support.
For more information, visit hindmanauctions.com, follow @alyssadquinlan on Instagram, and alyssaquinlan on LinkedIn.
