McCormick Tribune Foundation Bolsters Leadership Team with Vice President of External Affairs
Media Contact:
Pegeen Hopkins
Director of Communications
McCormick Tribune Foundation
(312) 222-5022
|
Chicago, February 8, 2005
The McCormick Tribune Foundation (MTF) has announced the addition of Victoria Shire Dinges as vice president of external affairs - a new position created to direct the foundation’s public outreach. Dinges will lead all marketing, communication and public relations efforts for MTF.
In addition to functional responsibilities, Dinges will provide senior management guidance to the foundation’s citizenship program and will oversee creation of a new museum designed to heighten public awareness of American freedoms and inspire an involved citizenry. The museum will be located on Michigan Avenue and is scheduled to open in spring 2006. The foundation’s citizenship program is one of the MTF’s four core programs, seeking to actively engage young people in civic affairs, honor patriotism, strengthen the nonprofit sector and facilitate discussions of key issues that affect our nation’s future.
“As we approach our 50th anniversary we see a need to expand our external communications policies” said Richard A. Behrenhausen, foundation president and chief executive officer. “Telling our story and inspiring dialog – especially in youth circles – about the rights and responsibilities that go along with US citizenship will be among Vicky’s top priorities.”
Dinges’ experience was gained at RR Donnelley and Nicor (formerly Northern Illinois Gas), where she served as senior vice president and assistant vice president respectively. At both Donnelley and Nicor she led strategies to rebrand the companies. Dinges has served in the non-profit sector as chair of the board of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and is a Leadership Greater Chicago fellow. She also serves on the board of advisors for the Chicago Reporter.
“In the world we live in today, the values of the McCormick Tribune Foundation are more important than ever,” Dinges said. “I look forward to re-affirming and asserting the foundation’s role and contributions.”
A journalism graduate of the University of Illinois, Dinges earned a masters of business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1996. She lives in Evanston with her husband and two sons.
About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of close to $2 billion. In 2004 the foundation issued $90 million designed to invest in communities, address human needs and promote the ideals of a democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was first established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas — communities, education, journalism and citizenship — and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit
http://www.mccormicktribune.org.