January 30, 2025

Leading In Color Newsletter


Chicago United - Leading in Color Newsletter
January 2025
Insights from Leadership. Tiffany Hamel Johnson, President & CEO of Chicago United

COMMITTED

This work is bigger than a three-letter acronym. We are committed to a just and equitable business landscape for all.

Be well, 

In Memoriam: Robert W. MacGregor

Chicago United expresses deep condolences at the passing of Robert W. MacGregor on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
 
Mr. MacGregor was elected Chicago United’s first president in 1972 and retained the position until 1980. During his tenure, he established the organization’s focus and vision, forming the foundation of Chicago United and spearheading a Special Task Force on Education, among other initiatives.
 
He had a highly distinguished background, covering many leadership careers. Mr. MacGregor served as a church minister, an elected member and leader of the Minneapolis City Council, President of the Minneapolis Board of Public Welfare, Vice President and Executive Director of Dayton Hudson Corp. Foundation (now Target), and was author of the book, Leadership: A Team Sport. Overseas, he served as President of the Indevco Foundation in Lebanon, Country Director of the International Executive Service Corp. (I.E.S.C.) in Lebanon, and Executive Volunteer in South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius, and Lebanon. He was also an international speaker and a professor of M.B.A. students in Asia, the United States, and the Middle East.
 
Chicago United will fondly remember Mr. MacGregor’s deep commitment and continued passion for the mission of Chicago United. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife, Mari, family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Chicago United 2025 Business Leaders of Color

Business Leaders of Color 2025

Nominations Now Open

Nominations are open for Business Leaders of Color 2025, an honor identifying Leaders of Color who are prepared to step into service with corporate boards. Since its debut in 2003, this biennial distinction has identified 515 board-ready candidates who have served in nearly 500 corporate directorships. 

Nominations for BLC 2025 are due no later than Friday, February 21.

Submit A BLC Nomination Here →

Chicago United | Welcomes Our Newest Member Lundbeck

Chicago United Announces Promotions

Chicago United recently announced the promotions of two team members.
Luz Maria Vargas

Luz María Vargas was promoted to Senior Director of Leadership Development and Organizational Capacity. In this new role, Luz María will lead strategy and execution for Chicago United’s Member Programming, Corporate Inclusion Institute (CII), and Business Leaders of Color.
Robert Henry

Robert Henry was promoted to Senior Director of Business Development and Engagement. Robert is now responsible for recruiting new participants for CII in addition to Chicago United Member Company recruitment and engagement.
 

We CU

Aurora Austriaco, Shareholder of Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C. (a Chicago United Member Company), a Chicago United Board Member, and a 2019 Business Leader of Color, was named an Advisory Board Member of Leading Lawyers.

Stephen Harris, a 2021 Business Leader of Color, was named President of Government Markets at Health Care Service Corporation (a Chicago United Member Company).


Chicago United
300 East Randolph Street, Suite 40.200, Chicago, IL 60601-5075
312-977-3060 • www.chicago-united.org
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