Diane Burnham MBNA

(she/her)

Over the past ten years, Diane Burnham has become a familiar face in the midsouth region of Chicago serving as a community leader and public figure in her role as the Executive Director of the South East Chicago Commission (SECC).  In 2013, Diane began her journey working at SECC focusing her efforts on community-based initiatives, such as arts/culture, business district improvement programs, and community beautification, placemaking and sustainability. 

In 2017, Diane was named the sixth Executive Director in the organization’s 70+ year history. She successfully transitioned the SECC in financially divesting from the University of Chicago, rebranding the organization, and leading the organization into a new path and future.  As of 2023, Diane has doubled the organization’s budget, diversified funding streams, grown the staff team and focused on the organization’s infrastructure. She has been described as both genuine and authentic in her approach to leadership and community engagement.

Diane holds a Master of Management and Nonprofit Administration from North Park University in Chicago and a Master of Science in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has worked in nonprofit management since 1998, when she was appointed to the Public Allies National Service Program, a young leaders program co-founded by Michelle Obama, in Milwaukee, WI. During this time, she continued her career in Milwaukee working with the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee as a Program Director with at-risk youth, coordinating events and membership at the Urban Ecology Center, and serving on several city-wide initiatives. In 2006, Diane moved to Chicago and became a Program Manager for the Howard Area Community Center, co-managing a high-volume workforce center, prior to her tenure with the SECC.

Fun Facts

• Famous last name! She is often asked if she is related to Daniel Burnham, the world-famous American Architect and Urban Planner, that is most notably known for The Burnham Plan, a popular name for the 1909 Plan of Chicago, co-authored by Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett and published in 1909. It recommended an integrated series of projects including new and widened streets, parks, new railroad and harbor facilities, and civic buildings. Though only portions of the plan were realized, the document reshaped Chicago's central area and was an important influence on the new field of city planning.
• Avid tennis player, loves yoga, ethnic foods and music. In Diane’s past life, she worked with a Booking Agent, supporting international hip hop tours such as Rock the Bells.
• Has a soft heart and has two adopted pets: 1.) Lil Byt a 3-year old Chihuahua Mix and 2.) Flash, a Russian Land Tortoise.