Here are some words that others shared about Diane Bergan

Abigail Bergan, Daughter

I’m constantly in awe of everything my mother somehow finds time to do—it’s like she has a different 24 hours in her day! Her dedication to the community never fails to amaze me. My mom’s passion for community service has influenced how I live my life. Even when I was little, her focus on civic engagement and giving back to others was evident, motivating me to start my own nonprofit, serve as an election judge, and get more involved in the Village. Because of our common interests, my mom and I have even volunteered together on several occasions, which has been wonderful. Beyond all her amazing work in Barrington, my mom is my rock. Whether it’s driving me seven hours to rowing competitions, trading book recommendations with me, or helping me tackle whatever life throws at me, I’m forever grateful to have her unconditional support.

Mary Dale, Friend

Diane is a dynamic person. She is super smart, engaging, personable, a natural communicator, and connector. Quick to smile and lend a hand, she is a loving mother and wife, loyal friend, successful businesswoman, and devoted community volunteer.

We first met when our daughters were four at a Park District ballet class. Or rather my mom and Diane’s nanny, Sam, met. We finally met at the big holiday performance where they danced to “Silver Bells”. Since then, their friendship and ours has evolved. The girls met up again in elementary school. When the girls’ classmates were going to different middle schools, Diane thought about a monthly dinner club for the girls and moms to keep the friendships alive during the middle school years. Rotating houses and menus, it was fun way to keep connected and watch the girls grow. Often the girls’ fifth-grade teacher, Georgia Nelson, would make a surprise appearance. Now as seniors at BHS, those friendships are still there.

Diane is willing to try something new. From taking up rowing and competing in regional regattas to hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, to having the courage to perform in local theatre to trying her hand as an entrepreneur with her Golf with Words business, she is constantly doing something cool. Whenever you spend time with Diane, you have a good laugh, probably a good glass of wine, learn something new, and are grateful for the gift of a good friend.

David Nelson, Volunteer and Friend

Diane and I have served together on the Barrington Cultural Commission for six years. She has been an integral member of the team that presents the Barrington Town Warmings, serving as the host and narrator of the day-long program. She has shared her time and talent as a youth leader with the BHS CREW team and is a key player in the promotion of Barrington’s White House.

On any project with which Diane is connected, you can expect her to come competently researched and thoroughly prepared. She strikes a confident pose and is articulate and sharp-edged in her presentation. She always represents Barrington with class and great style and manages to ask penetrating questions and make memorable comments. We are always grateful and pleased when Diane accepts a new assignment on behalf of the Village!

Perhaps her greatest contribution to Barrington is her and husband Tim’s daughter, Abigail, who is clearly a future leader and destined to do great things.

Lisa Sodeika, Friend and Colleague

I vividly recall Diane walking into my office more than 15 years ago. She was high energy, positive, and smart. It was my lucky day! Looking for a leader who could build the HSBC Holdings (one of the world’s largest banks) U.S. public relations function, I found a real gem in Diane. After all, she had led key operations for United Airlines during the 9/11 attack. She is a leader and a collaborator. Diane built a terrific team for HSBC. She also built a reputation in our corporate community as a genuine and caring leader, and a “go to” colleague for expert advice and sound counsel. There was no crisis Diane couldn’t tackle.

Diane is a caring friend and trusted professional colleague. While one can find effective executives, impactful community leaders, and loving family members, Diane truly possesses all these characteristics, “on steroids”. She actively cares for her family while being highly engaged in her community and professional responsibilities. She is the first person to ask, “How can I help?” When my father passed away, Diane was the first at my door with a warm casserole. Diane has been engaged in community theatre, care for culture, and public benefit. She is a model, especially for her daughter Abigail, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps by launching her own non-profit and actively leading community programs to promote equity and fight injustice. Nothing and no one is out of reach of Diane’s thoughtful and caring touch, and we are all the better for it.

Hagop Soulakian, BHS INCubator Teacher

I met Diane Bergan 7.5 years ago through the INCubator program that I teach. She had agreed to come to class and help student groups prepare for their public presentations to the community. After watching how they performed, you could tell she had a major impact. Since then, Diane has increased her commitment to support my students by not only helping them present, but she has recently taken an additional role as a board member who provides feedback and is part of the decision-making process for funding. Many people have complimented me on how refined my students are when they present on stage or in different pitch competitions. Those compliments are a direct result of Diane’s work and commitment to our community’s youth. Watching her work with my students and listening to how she encourages and transmits a positive culture has affected me both personally and professionally. She is the epitome of how volunteer community members can positively affect the educational experiences for students. She is someone whom I count on, and she always delivers, with a smile on her face.