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Darien Marion-Burton, Executive Director
Meet Darien Marion-Burton, the newly appointed Executive Director of the OPRF Chamber, a true dynamo with a passion for community development. Darien's educational journey led him to Augustana, where he graduated in 2015 with an impressive resume: a B.A. in Business Management & Marketing, a minor in accounting, and a certificate in nonprofit management. During his time in college, he left a lasting impact by publishing groundbreaking research on Black student attrition in Predominantly White Institutions.
Darien's career path is a testament to his versatility and unshakable determination. He began by making waves in higher education, dedicating himself to diversity services. His unwavering commitment then led him to the world of retail, where he swiftly rose to the top, achieving exceptional sales figures at the renowned Nordstrom. But Darien wasn't done challenging himself; he ventured into the dynamic realm of FinTech, where he showcased his adaptability and knack for leadership.In 2018, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that couldn't be contained, Darien established his own venture, D.M. Burton. His dedication to excellence and innovation quickly made his brand synonymous with success.Outside of his impressive professional journey, Darien has a multifaceted life. He enjoys the camaraderie of hosting and attending dinner clubs with his close-knit circle of friends. Even in his downtime, his passion for marketing shines through, as he often finds himself analyzing marketing statistics while sipping his favorite drink at a cozy bar. And when it's time to unwind, you'll likely find him on his couch, sharing a moment with his loyal and cherished puppy, Travis.With his diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to community, Darien Marion-Burton is set to lead the OPRF Chamber to new heights, fostering growth, collaboration, and inclusivity in the vibrant Oak Park community.
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Mark Walden, Program Manager
Mark is Program Manager at the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce, and at other times of the week wears the hat of a property manager, nonprofit fundraiser, or snow removal contractor. He sometime looks goofy due to wearing all those hats. Mark appreciates the OPRF area for its independent businesses, trees, garage sales, and architecture. But he lives in Chicago because that's where his wife and his ultimate frisbee game are.
Contact Mark: mwalden@oprfchamber.org
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Michelle Valle-Flores, Marketing and Administration Manager
Michelle has spent her entire career working in nonprofit organizations. She started off as a library assistant in the Teen Services department at the Berwyn Public Library. From there, sparked her interest in marketing and design. Before joining the OPRF Chamber, Michelle was the Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator at the Berwyn Development Cooperation.
She has over 3 years of experience working in a chamber and 6 years working in marketing and design. As a neighbor to Oak Park, she has always longed to work in the community that is so appreciative of supporting small businesses and creativity.
You can contact her for administration assistance and marketing efforts.
In her spare time, Michelle loves to stay active by going on hikes with her husband, rock climb, or ice skate.
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Carolyn Henning, Billing & Membership Coordinator
Carolyn is a lifelong resident of Cook County and lives in Oak Park. She spent 15 years working at consumer ad agencies in Traffic/Print Production. One day she responded to a Mom's Mail help-wanted ad that down the road fortuitously landed her a job at the OPRF Chamber. Carolyn likes good barbeque and beer and is thankful that she can find both in abundance in the area. She dabbles in gardening and cooking.
Carolyn is the person you will be contacting to talk about your billing, updating your membership data and eblasts.
Contact Carolyn: chenning@oprfchamber.org