Chamber’s Leadership Director Becomes 4th Woman to Lead Kiwanis

By Carolyn Mitchell

Kiwanis International boasts a membership of 600,000 in 16,000 clubs located in more than 70 countries.

"That means the annual convention could be in any number of world capitals or exotic places," Diane Parks says with a rueful smile. "But where did they hold the convention that I attended last month as the president-elect of Chattanooga Kiwanis? Nashville."

That little irony will doubtless be lost years hence when she recalls highlights of her one-year term as the fourth woman in the local club’s 91-year history to hold the office of president.

Parks has a busy year ahead -- leading the Kiwanians and planning the 25th anniversary of Leadership Chattanooga, the program she supervises as the Chamber’s director of leadership and community development.

"My goal as Kiwanis president is keeping the organization running smoothly," says Parks, who takes office in October. "Every year through our Duck Race and other events we raise around $7,000 that supports over 25 local agencies serving youth, and we want to maintain that support."

Parks would also like to increase the club’s membership of 120 with an infusion of young professionals and offer more hands-on, volunteer activities for the members.

The new president also intends to recruit some of her Leadership alumni to the Kiwanis organization. Over 400 people have graduated from the program since Parks became director in 1999.

A Chamber employee since 1977, Parks jokes that she joined the staff when she was 12. Fresh out of Chattanooga State, she started on the switchboard and over the years worked in communications, public policy, events, membership services, area beautification and as briefing center manager.

Her current position has introduced Parks to some of Chattanooga’s most outstanding citizens. "It’s been an honor to see these emerging leaders grow and develop," she says. "Many tell me that Leadership changed their lives. That makes you feel good."

Parks is the wife of former Chattanooga Police Chief Steve Parks, whom she married the same year she joined the Chamber. They have a daughter, Janie, who graduated from Auburn in December.

A shopaholic with more shoes than the metaphorical hats she’s worn at the Chamber, Parks isn’t at all disappointed that this fall Janie will enter JohnMarshall Law School in mall-rich Atlanta.