Br. David Darst Center Welcomes Rev. D'ana Downing as Executive Director
Downing is the first Black woman and first interfaith leader to head the Chicago-based Lasallian center for service, reflection, and social justice.
CHICAGO, October 19, 2026 —The Board of Directors of the Br. David Darst Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. D'ana Downing as Executive Director. Rev. Downing began her tenure on September 28, 2026.
Rev. Downing brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit executive leadership, philanthropy, ministry, community engagement, and higher education to the Center's work in faith, service, education, and social justice. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations strengthen their operations, build meaningful partnerships, and connect their missions with the needs of the communities they serve.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the Darst Center. As the first Black woman and the first interfaith leader to serve as Executive Director, Rev. Downing brings a perspective shaped by her experience as an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, her commitment to interfaith collaboration, and her longstanding work at the intersections of faith and justice.
"We're grateful to have D'ana leading Darst and share her enthusiasm for what we can build together," said John Tubbs, Chair of the Board of Directors. "We look forward to supporting her as we grow our programs, strengthen our partnerships, and welcome more people into this work."
Rooted in the Lasallian tradition and Catholic Social Teaching, the Darst Center has long held that education, service, and community engagement are essential to advancing human dignity and social transformation. Rev. Downing's leadership continues that tradition and offers an opportunity to deepen the Center's commitment to inclusive community, shared responsibility, and meaningful engagement across faith traditions.
As Executive Director, Rev. Downing will work alongside staff, the Board of Directors, community partners, alumni, and supporters to build on this foundation. Her work will include strengthening the Center's operations, expanding partnerships, and developing opportunities for education and engagement that advance its mission.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to steward an organization with such a rich history of forming people for lives of justice and service," said Rev. Downing. "I come to this work listening – to our staff, neighbors, community partners, alumni, and the stories held within this place. I am excited about what becomes possible when we bring Darst's history into conversation with the needs of this present moment and the future we are called to build together."
Brother David Darst, the Center's namesake, once wrote, "I've got to do something more." His words express the conviction at the heart of the Center's mission: that learning and reflection should move people to act. In welcoming Rev. Downing, the Center carries that commitment forward, creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, build relationships across differences, and put their faith into action for justice and peace.
The Board of Directors invites the Center's entire network — alumni, educators, faith partners, civic leaders, volunteers, supporters, and friends — to join in extending a heartfelt welcome to Rev. Downing as the Center steps into this inspiring next chapter.
About the Br. David Darst Center
For more than two decades, the Br. David Darst Center has invited young people and adults into experiences of service, reflection, and community. Through experiential education and relationships with community partners across Chicago, participants examine systemic injustice, challenge their assumptions, and consider their responsibility to one another. Rooted in the Lasallian tradition and Catholic Social Teaching, the Center holds that education, service, and community engagement are essential to advancing human dignity and social transformation. Learn more at https://darstcenter.org/.
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