After serving as CEO of some of the nation’s most recognizable brands, Mary N. Dillon is taking on a different kind of leadership challenge — helping guide Save the Children through a significant drop in federal funding.
In February, Dillon, an Evanston native who has in the past served as president and CEO of Foot Locker, CEO of Ulta Beauty and president and CEO of U.S. Cellular, among other highlights on a top-tier resume, was named chairwoman of Save the Children U.S., the Connecticut-based nonprofit whose mission is to improve the lives of children in the United States and more than 100 countries worldwide.
She steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the century-old organization. According to its most recent available annual report, Save the Children U.S. raises nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. But charity officials acknowledge the federal government revoked roughly $300 million of the funding last year amid broader foreign aid cutbacks.
“It’s definitely had an impact, and that is why we are focused on how we diversify our sources of funding going forward,” Dillon said. She noted approximately 84 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programming.
Dillon, who has served on the board of trustees since 2025 following an earlier term as a trustee, could serve up to six years as chairwoman. She said her primary focus will be strengthening the organization’s long-term financial model by expanding private fundraising and launching a new capital campaign.
“This is a moment that we are looking at how do we really catapult ourselves into the future with an even more future-proof model in terms that can help us have less variations,” she said.
Born on Chicago’s South Side, Dillon worked as a waitress, bank teller and house cleaner to help pay for college before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
She went on to build an extensive corporate career, holding executive roles at McDonald’s, Quaker Oats, U.S. Cellular, Ulta Beauty and most recently Foot Locker. Last month, she was also elected to the board of directors of American Airlines.
Save the Children provides educational support, emergency relief in disasters such as fires and floods, humanitarian aid in areas where conflict is ongoing and food assistance as it operates in 14 U.S. states in addition to its international work.
Dillon said visiting the organization’s programs has reminded her of what energized her during her corporate career — seeing frontline teams in action.
“As chair, I get to visit our programs, and what’s energizing is seeing the incredible commitment our staff have to the communities they serve,” she said.
Dillon has also been active locally in Evanston’s Youth & Opportunity United program and previously served as chairwoman of the Economic Club of Chicago.
David Snyder, the current president and CEO of the Economic Club of Chicago, said Dillon’s leadership style will translate well to the global nonprofit.
“First and foremost, her passion for the well-being of children — keeping them safe, healthy and poised for educational advancement, even in the most challenging environments — sets her apart,” Snyder said. “She has demonstrated that commitment in Chicago and is perfectly situated to do so on the world stage.”
Snyder added that Dillon’s emotional intelligence and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds will be critical as the organization seeks new funding sources.
“Mary has about as high an EQ (Emotional Quotient) as anyone I have ever met,” he said. “She can relate to almost anyone — a great listener who can also be persuasive in the most diplomatic way possible. That’s critical when seeking buy-in from policymakers or those with the ability to provide significant financial resources.”
Dillon noted that Save the Children’s century-long history demonstrates its resilience and said the organization remains focused on innovation and the future.
“There are crises all over the world, and our teams are finding ways to bring aid wherever children need it,” she said. “All I can do is stay focused on the mission and the work we do to support children everywhere.”
While she has a lengthy private-sector background, Dillon said the nonprofit mission resonates deeply at this stage of her life.
“At this point, having run businesses and having children and grandchildren, I don’t think there is anything more important than the future of children. It is as simple as that,” she said. “Everyone understands the importance of children’s health, safety, literacy and learning.”
