Diana Rauner

About

Diana Mendley Rauner became the first lady of Illinois when her husband, Governor Bruce Rauner, was sworn in as governor on January 12, 2015.

As first lady, Mrs. Rauner plans to focus on issues that affect the state’s most vulnerable children and continue her work at the Ounce of Prevention Fund in Chicago, a public-private partnership, which supports early learning programs for at-risk children and their families (including the Educare Learning Network of schools). The first lady volunteers her service as the organization’s president.

Mrs. Rauner’s work as president is rooted in her background researching early childhood programs, as well as her experience in investment banking and private equity. She holds a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of Chicago, a master’s in business administration  from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University.

Mrs. Rauner serves on the board of directors of After School Matters and the Thacher School; and as a life trustee of both National-Louis University and the Kohl Children’s Museum. She also serves on the Lurie Children's Hospital Board and is a member of the Yale University Council and the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Management Board.

The Rauners are the proud parents of six children and one son-in-law.