The executive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce resigned days before The Chicago Tribune reported that he was the subject of discrimination complaints.
Darien Marion-Burton told Wednesday Journal he stepped down from his position as leader of the local business organization on Friday, Sept. 19. The Chicago Tribune published a story Wednesday, Sept. 24, saying it had obtained information from the Illinois Department of Human Rights that two women – one current and one former chamber employee – had reported Marion-Burton to the state for discrimination.
Wednesday Journal is awaiting a response to a FOIA requests for documents related to the matter at the IDHR and the Illinois Department of Labor.
The Tribune story also anonymously quoted one of employees who filed a complaint. The anonymous employee told the newspaper that Marion-Burton, who is gay, often made sexually-charged comments in the workplace.
Marion-Burton said he has no knowledge of any discrimination complaints and that his resignation is unrelated.
“I am aware of a recent article regarding my resignation as Executive Director,” Marion-Burton said. “While I deeply value our community, I chose to step down in order to focus on other projects that align with my personal and professional goals. I look forward to sharing more soon about the launch of a new venture. I cannot comment on the Tribune’s statement about IDHR complaints, as I have not seen any such complaint. I remain committed to Oak Park and to upholding our shared values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
The chamber had planned to hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 24 but announced on Monday that it had postponed the meeting until Dec. 3.
Marion-Burton, an Oak Park native, had served as the chamber’s top staffer since 2023 after previously serving as chamber board president. He succeeded Liz Holt, who now serves as director of the Oak Park-based youth philanthropy organization Three Pillars Initiative.
Rob Guenthner, the chamber’s current president, confirmed Marion-Burton’s resignation in a statement provided to Wednesday Journal.
“The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the recent media coverage regarding the resignation of our former executive director, Darien Marion-Burton,” Guenthner said in the statement. “We confirm his resignation from the organization effective September 19, 2025 and extend our best wishes for his future endeavors. Our primary focus remains on maintaining continuity of service and actively supporting the local business community. To this end, the Board of Directors has promptly secured resources to ensure uninterrupted Chamber operations. This includes sustaining our member programs and providing essential support to help our members serve their customers, clients, and communities effectively.”
Guenther said that the chamber expects to appoint an interim executive director soon.
Marion-Burton’s resignation comes after Oak Park’s government had ramped up investment in the chamber earlier this year.
In February, the village board approved more than $250,000 to support new community-focused initiatives at the chamber including a youth internship program, the First Fridays street festival series and a Black and Latine Business Support Network.