The board of directors for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce — Illinois [LGBTCC] announced the selection of Dillin Ravenscraft as the organization's new executive director, effective Oct. 24.
During and following onboarding, Dillin will assume the leadership of the Chamber's day-to-day operations and activities throughout Illinois and is expected to become one of the leading voices in Illinois for LGBT business inclusion, diversity, and equity for both the public and private sectors. Please help us welcome Dillin to this new role and wish him every success.
"I am ecstatic to join the LGBT Chamber of Commerce - Illinois as the next Executive Director. I've been looking to get back into the nonprofit world where I can be proud of the work I am doing and know that my efforts will make a positive impact in some way. This role gives me the opportunity to apply my experience and skills to help our LGBT community and member businesses with networking, marketing opportunities, education, business resources, and advocacy. Above all, I am looking forward to the opportunity to get back to the industry and re-position the LGBTCC for long-term growth while having fun along the way." - Dillin Ravenscraft
Dillin joined the LGBTCC after spending the last four years leading the Marketing & Events department at Ateema Media & Marketing (formerly Concierge Preferred.) In this role, Dillin was responsible for a number of B2B events including an industry-leading trade show, educational conferences, and monthly networking events. He also oversaw all marketing efforts, business development, strategic partnerships, internal operations, and employee training and development. Dillin played an instrumental role in the company's survival through the pandemic working with a smaller team and limited resources; the company was seen as an industry leader during tough times and led the way to a fruitful rebound in 2021 ahead of the competition.
Prior to joining Ateema, Dillin joined the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce as a marketing and PR intern and eventually worked his way up to becoming the Marketing & Events Manager. During his time at the chamber, he gained experience producing community events and festivals, oversaw the design and execution of various marketing campaigns, managed the chamber's internship program, and generated revenue for the chamber through memberships and sponsorships.
Dillin graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Business with honors, concentrating in Marketing & Management, and is currently pursuing his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification. During his senior year, he was 1 of 27 students selected for the Academic Excellence Scholarship by the Kellstadt Marketing Center. Dillin is also an active member of MPI's-Chicago Area Chapter since 2019 and recently served on the board of directors as the Director of Education Content, which oversaw educational content, programming, and speaker selection.
The national search for a new executive director at the LGBTCC was conducted by 360HR Inc [a MBE/WBE company] and a member partner of the LGBTCC. The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is the sole affiliate in Illinois of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the leading business resource for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT), and LGBT-supportive businesses and organizations. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are part of the fundamental mission of the Chamber. LGBTCC's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is demonstrated first through our staff. We are an EEO employer and grant equal opportunity to all applicants who apply for employment with the Chamber. The Chamber seeks staff who have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and foremost, the PASSION to positively contribute to our mission. Further, the LGBTCC seeks to create value and make a significant difference for the businesses and organizations we serve.
