Darlene O. Hightower

President & CEO of Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), an independent planning and policy organization working to address built environment issues through the lens of racial and economic justice. Darlene is leading MPC’s strategic vision, shaping ambitious goals that will strengthen the impact of the organization’s work across the Chicago region. Previously, Darlene served as VP of Community Health Equity at Rush University Medical Center, where she was recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Health Care Hero for her leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. Darlene also led the development of West Side United, a cross-sector, collaborative effort to improve health and economic vitality on Chicago’s West Side. She is a Leadership Greater Chicago Daniel Burnham Fellow, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Fellow, and a Civic Leadership Academy Fellow. She also serves as a board member for the ACLU of Illinois, Allies for Community Business, and the Illinois Public Health Institute. Darlene’s leadership and tireless advocacy for equity have led to inclusion in both Marquis and Crain’s Who Who.