A creative and forward-thinking leader, nonprofit executive, and dedicated community advocate, Diane Flanagan has a proven history of strengthening AJLI’s governance and driving League success. As an unparalleled At-Large Director on the AJLI Board (2021-2024), Diane served on multiple committees such as Finance, Audit, League Operational Policies, and Standards. She also showed exceptional leadership as Chair of the Healthy Leagues (2022–2023) and Issues (2023–2024) committees, while contributing expertise to the CEO search. Under her leadership, improvements were made to the External Policy Process, and the League Self-Assessment tool was enhanced and piloted to strengthen and improve the growth of Leagues.
As President of the Junior League of El Paso, Diane led the organization to an issue-based community impact model, with a dedicated focus on mental health—a transformative shift that allowed the League to deepen its impact efforts. She also played a prime role in overseeing the construction and financial management of the El Paso Desert Botanical Garden, ensuring the success of this signature project.
Diane’s commitment to leadership extends beyond The Junior League. She brings the organization a wealth of experience, having served as a board member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), a nominating committee member of the Catholic Youth Foundation, and a member of the El Paso President’s Athletic Advisory Council, El Paso Women’s Executive Forum, and National Girl Scout Pension Advisory Committee.
As the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, Diane oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations, guiding girls, families, and volunteers in fulfilling the Girl Scout mission. Under her leadership, volunteer satisfaction has increased by 119%, girl satisfaction has risen by 54%, and the council leads the nation in per-girl average cookie sales, exceeding three times the national average. As CEO Diane represented the Girl Scout Movement in a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Through dialogue and aligned resources, Diane was a pivotal piece in securing approval for Girl Scout programming in U.S. Catholic dioceses which allowed growth in the Girl Scout programming.
Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the El Paso Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame for outstanding civic leadership, the Silver Patrick Henry Award from the Military Order of World Wars, Distinguished Alumna of Spartanburg Day School, and the NFCYM Award for Exemplary Leadership in National Catholic Youth Ministry.
Diane holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg School of Management. Her career began in automotive engineering, where she led product development and technical center expansions in Mexico before transitioning to the nonprofit sector.
As a servant leader, Diane is guided by authenticity, empathy, and collaboration, striving to lift others to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible. With her extensive leadership in governance, finance, and strategic planning, she is poised to continue to lead The Junior League into a brighter future with sustainable growth, increased community impact and visibility.
