Diane Flanagan

Diane Flanagan is a forward-thinking nonprofit executive, strategic leader, and community advocate with a proven track record of strengthening organizations through effective governance, financial stewardship, and mission-driven leadership. Throughout her career, she has guided organizations through strategic transformation, led governance and operational improvements, and fostered collaborative partnerships that create lasting community impact.

Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, Diane oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations, supporting girls, families, volunteers, and staff in advancing the Girl Scout mission. Under her leadership, volunteer satisfaction has increased by 119%, girl satisfaction has grown by 54%, and the council leads the nation in per-girl average cookie sales. She also represented the Girl Scout Movement in a historic meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican and played a key role in expanding Girl Scout programming through strengthened partnerships with U.S. Catholic dioceses.

In addition to her work with Girl Scouts, Diane currently serves as President of The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), providing strategic leadership for a global network of women dedicated to developing leaders and strengthening communities. A longtime Junior League member, she has served in numerous leadership roles at both the local and international levels, including on the AJLI Board of Directors. She is a current member of the Junior League of Charleston and previously served as President of the Junior League of El Paso, where she led the League’s transition to an issue-based community impact model focused on mental health.

Diane’s leadership extends across numerous nonprofit organizations, where she has served on boards and committees focused on governance, finance, audit, strategic planning, and organizational development. She has successfully led strategic initiatives, strengthened policies and operational practices, overseen complex capital projects, and helped organizations build sustainable frameworks for long-term success.

Her commitment to service has earned her numerous honors, including induction into the El Paso Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame for outstanding civic leadership, the Silver Patrick Henry Award from the Military Order of World Wars, Distinguished Alumna of Spartanburg Day School, and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry Award for Exemplary Leadership.

Diane holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Before entering the nonprofit sector, she built her career in automotive engineering, leading product development and technical center expansion initiatives in Mexico.

Guided by authenticity, empathy, and collaboration, Diane is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and empowering others to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Her expertise in governance, strategy, and organizational leadership continues to help mission-driven organizations grow their impact and build a stronger future.