Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Gallagher.
Hi Diane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband and I came to Kansas City in 1994 with a “three-to-five year plan.” Three daughters and more than three decades later, this is our home. One of the key reasons was the manner in which our KC community supported our family during our most difficult moments in caring for our middle daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth had Angelman’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder; she was unable to walk or talk, was fed through a gastrostomy tube and was dependent for all activities of daily life. With a big smile and infectious laugh, Elizabeth made our world bigger. Time and time again, our family was surrounding with care and support during every health crisis. At the time of her passing in 2019 at the age of 19, Elizabeth had been treated by nearly every specialty at Children’s Mercy. And our community sustained us in our most trying time.
Today, I am in my “preferment” time of life. After a 30-year career in financial services – in roles I loved and with colleagues and friends I treasured – I decided to retire a bit early to serve in a volunteer board leadership role at Children’s Mercy. Shortly thereafter, I was approached by an executive recruiter and friend who suggested the Civic and Community Initiatives leader role at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, an organization I have long admired and on whose board I had served. I was absolutely delighted to join the team in spring 2024 with a new sense of purpose, motivation and even greater enthusiasm for our Kansas City region.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a parent of a child with significant special needs is a tremendous struggle, but also an amazing gift. One can think, “Why me?” or “Why not me?” Our world was bigger because of her, and she was the source of so much perspective. Our middle daughter helped my husband and me and her two sisters become more accepting, more tolerant, more patient and more kind.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce?
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce represents some 2,000 employers and 300,000 employees in our 15-county region. We focus on growing the region’s economy, advocating for business in the public policy arena, and providing programs and resources to help members grow.
My specific role is Senior Vice President of Civic and Community Initiatives, working on our Foundation and leadership development programs, our annual Leadership Exchange delegation to another metropolitan area and the World Trade Center Kansas City.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Our Kansas City region is the best big city and small town. The “KC Heart” is the perfect visual for our community as we are all about two degrees of separation from one another! In the 30 years I have lived here, we saw the region come together to reinvigorate downtown KCMO, to invest in western Kansas City, Kansas and to create the new terminal at KCI. We’ve cheered our sports team and are about to welcome for the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kcchamber.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianegallagher/
