A visionary leader, nonprofit executive, and dedicated community advocate, Diane Flanagan has a proven history of strengthening the Association’s governance and driving League success. As an At-Large Director on the AJLI Board (2021-2024), Diane served on multiple key committees such as Finance, Standards, League Operational Policies, and Audit. She also showed exceptional leadership as Chair of the Healthy Leagues (2022–2023) and Issues (2023–2024) committees, while contributing valuable insight and expertise to the CEO search process. 

During her time as President of the Junior League of El Paso, Diane led the organization’s transition 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 and outreach efforts. She also played a pivotal 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 Chief Executive Officer 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. Previously, as CEO of Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, Diane represented NFCYM and Girl Scouts of the USA in a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, securing approval for Girl Scout programming in U.S. Catholic dioceses. 

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—a move she credits to the training and leadership development she gained in The Junior League. 

A firm believer in servant leadership, Diane is guided by authenticity, empathy, and collaboration, striving to lift others to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible. With her extensive experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning, she is poised to lead The Junior League into a future of sustainable growth and impactful service.