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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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Melissa Mallinson, Director of Programming and Membership
Melissa Mallinson brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement. A 2018 Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Fellow, she held key roles at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the Mary Crane Center, among others. Melissa designs highly effective programs, develops assessment and evaluation protocols, and facilitates deeply engaging community-centered activities. As Director of Membership for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, she led a team of 27 in serving more than 40,000 members.
Notable projects include Guitars for Growth in the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust Arts Infusion Initiative, and The Lullaby Project in collaboration with Carnegie Hall, which partnered teen mothers with songwriters to create original lullabies for their little ones. Melissa's volunteer efforts include founding the 501(c)(3) Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, serving as Board Treasurer for the Acts of Kindness Cabaret, and Financial Review Committee for Impact Grants Chicago, a women-led grantmaking collective. She received her MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.Contact Melissa: mmallinson@oprfchamber.org
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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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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
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Jordi Murillo, Graphic Designer Intern
Jordi started his career at the OPRF Chamber in late 2024. He is a Fine Arts graduate with a strong dedication for community-based work. He has hands-on experience in a wide range of art forms, from video to sculpture, and is eager to further develop his skills in graphic design. He is passionate about contributing to projects in Oak Park that will bring communities together.
Outside of his artistic endeavors, he has a lifelong love for Sonic the Hedgehog.
Contact Jordi: jmurillo@oprfchamber.org
