Lakeview Chamber Names Dillon Goodson New Executive Director

CHICAGO (August 27, 2019)—The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce has named Dillon Goodson as its new executive director, where he will be responsible for providing vision, direction, and leadership to the Lakeview Chamber as well as its partners, Special Service Area 27 (SSA 27) and Friends of Lakeview. For the past decade, Dillon has worked in community and economic development in Chicago, where he has helped improve neighborhoods like the Loop and Lakeview with initiatives that create stronger connections between people and the places they share.

During the past four years as community development director of the Lakeview Chamber, Dillon oversaw the annual work plan of SSA 27 and led the organization’s work to enhance public streets and spaces, create memorable experiences, and promote Lakeview and its businesses. One of his priorities in that role was the ambitious effort to complete the Lakeview Low-Line—a one-of-a-kind landmark destination that will connect the neighborhood with a continuous, half-mile long art walk and garden beneath the iconic CTA ‘L’ tracks. Last fall, SSA 27 celebrated the milestone of completing the Paulina and Southport plazas, two dynamic community spaces at each end of the future Lakeview Low-Line pathway.

Prior to joining the Lakeview Chamber in 2015, Dillon worked for Chicago Loop Alliance, where he was an instrumental part of the team that created a historic five-year strategic plan for the Loop and raised the profile of downtown through destination marketing campaigns targeting millions of annual visitors to Chicago.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce at a time of incredible growth for our community,” said Dillon Goodson, executive director of the Lakeview Chamber. “Working alongside Lakeview’s hardworking business owners and active residents continues to inspire bold ideas about what our neighborhood can accomplish together. I am thrilled to double down on our important work while ensuring that Lakeview remains a thriving community and destination for all Chicagoans.”

“Through his direction on important community projects like the Lakeview Low-Line and our public art program, Dillon has shown the kind of leadership and vision that will help Lakeview’s businesses and residents grow and succeed,” said Doug Havrilla, board president of the Lakeview Chamber. “Guided by the new Strategic Blueprint that our board adopted in November of 2018, Dillon will play a critical role in working with our many stakeholders to accomplish our vision of Lakeview as Chicago’s most sought after neighborhood.”

In addition to his work in community and economic development, Dillon is an avid bicyclist, arts enthusiast, and volunteer, working to advance causes he is passionate about, which includes promoting greater cultural competence and civic pride. He serves on the Board of Directors of the International Downtown Association, a champion of vital urban centers and leading organization for the industry of urban place management, and previously served as chair of the Auxiliary Board at the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre.

As part of Dillon’s transition, the Lakeview Chamber is pleased to announce that Nicole McLellan has been named community development manager of the Lakeview Chamber. Nicole comes to the Lakeview Chamber with more than four years of experience working in community engagement, event programming, and development for nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining the chamber in 2019, Nicole led global expansion and engagement at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, working with stakeholders and other decision-makers around the world to build organizational presence in new regions. She holds a B.A. in International Relations & Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.S. in International Public Service from DePaul University.

“Nicole’s passion and depth of knowledge in community engagement, programming and policy will be a huge asset to our team at the Lakeview Chamber and SSA 27,” said Goodson. “She will serve as a strong advocate for our community and we look forward to engaging her perspective in the important work that lies ahead.”

The Lakeview Chamber serves the businesses and residents in Chicago’s West Lakeview community, in the area bounded north to south by Irving Park Rd. and Diversey Pkwy and east to west by Racine Ave. and Ravenswood Ave.

About Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization whose mission is to support a resilient local economy and high quality of life for the benefit of businesses and residents in Chicago’s West Lakeview community, through neighborhood promotion, business development, advocacy, and public space enhancements. Its service area is from Diversey Pkwy. on the south to Irving Park Rd. on the north, and from Ravenswood Ave. on the west to Racine Ave. on the east. The Chamber works in partnership with Special Service Area (SSA) 27 and the 501(c)(3) Friends of Lakeview, all sharing a common mission. Together, these three partners leverage private funding, government resources and programs, and support from more than 250 Chamber members to help their local community thrive.

The Lakeview Chamber is the Sole Service Provider for SSA 27. It coordinates the development of the SSA and administers SSA-funded programs. SSAs are a funding mechanism to raise money for services to a designated mixed-use area through a property tax levy.

Find more details, visit www.lakeviewchamber.com.

###