DuPage Children's Museum Gets New Director of Development

NAPERVILLE, IL — The DuPage Children’s Museum has announced its new director of development.

Elaine Drikakis has a proven and successful track record in philanthropy, according to a news release from the museum. She joined DCM in 2007, and has been dedicated to DCM’s mission and fundraising goals, with a strategic focus on securing major gifts from individuals and family foundations. She has had the opportunity to get to know DCM founders Dorothy Carpenter and Louise Beem and, since Dorothy’s passing in 2011, continues to be inspired by Louise.

“It is a privilege to work for DuPage Children’s Museum, whose long-standing integrity is reflected not only in the innovative and inclusive learning environment it creates for young learners, but in the way it provides a collaborative, respectful and caring place to work. I, along with a very capable Development team, look forward to partnering with a generous philanthropic community who looks at DCM as a serious investment that will have far-reaching implications for the next generation of citizens of the world,” said Elaine Drikakis in the release.

Elaine has brought many new donors to DCM during her nine years with DCM, resulting in significant financial gain. She has taken a leadership role in Planned Giving and the Legacy Society. Elaine will report to Sarah Orleans and will also serve on the executive leadership team, joining Sarah and Directors Margaret Hanly, Dee Dee McDevitt, Ann McLaughlin, and Kimberly Stull.

“We are so fortunate to have attracted and promoted an incredibly talented and committed person like Elaine. She has deep roots in the community and Chicagoland region, is admired and respected, and has an unwavering passion for our mission of early learning for all children. In her new role as Director, Elaine will be responsible for managing senior staff, strategic planning, relationship building, fundraising, program development and contributing to the growth of the museum’s annual budget of $4 million,” said Sarah Orleans.

Prior to joining DCM, from 1992 to 1995, and 2002 to 2007, Elaine held positions of Executive Director and Director of Development at National Hellenic Museum in Chicago. Elaine held a series of positions in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area before returning to Chicago. She holds a BA and Masters from DePaul University in Chicago. Elaine is married to Chris Drikakis, and they have one daughter.