Donna Russell
President

There are many factors that influence a person in making choices while on their life journey. I am no different in that my faith, my family, and my country have all influenced my choices.

Raised in a Catholic family, attending Catholic schools, grammar, high and colleges, I was able to look at my life as having a purpose beyond my own needs and wants. I was married in my early twenties and had children during the period that Roe v. Wade was getting approval nationally, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was being introduced into state legislatures. I evaluate the ideas and actions that are popular and see if they fit into my cultural, moral, and personal beliefs of right and wrong. The ERA seemed reasonable at first, but as I learned more about it and learned what it might do to women and families, I had reservations.

Carleen Banks
Vice President

Carleen serves as Vice President of Illinois Eagle Forum and is a member of the Board of Directors, where she oversees membership efforts and assists with the organization’s financial responsibilities as Assistant Treasurer. She is committed to promoting the values of faith, family, education, and constitutional government that are central to Eagle Forum’s mission.

Carleen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and enjoyed a professional nursing career spanning more than 30 years. Her experience includes medical-surgical nursing, service as a school nurse with the Department of Defense Overseas Schools, over 20 years with the DuPage County Health Department, and work as a Certified School Nurse supporting children and families. Throughout her career, she was an active member of both the Illinois Association of School Nurses and the National Association of School Nurses.

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Carleen has served her church in numerous volunteer roles, including religious education, Confirmation preparation, ministry to children with disabilities, choir, cantor, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She and her husband are the proud parents of three grown children and grandparents to five grandchildren. Her passion for serving others and advocating for children, families, and individuals with disabilities continues to guide her work with Illinois Eagle Forum.

Diane Wendorf
Secretary

Diane Wendorf is a proud Christian, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and unapologetic patriot who loves God, family, and country—in that order, although her twelve grandchildren occasionally make a strong case for moving up the list.

She earned an Associate Degree in Drafting Technology with studies in mechanical, electrical, and fluid engineering from College of DuPage and spent 26 years working in the engineering drafting field involving  nuclear, cryogenic and low temperature pressure vessels with contracts stretching across international countries.  During that time, she learned that whether you’re designing mechanical systems or raising children, having a good plan is helpful—but flexibility is essential.

Retirement didn’t slow Diane down. Instead, she traded engineering drawings for grassroots activism and became involved with Eagle Forum. Today, she serves as Secretary of Illinois Eagle Forum, where she continues putting her organizational skills to good use and occasionally proves that meeting minutes can, in fact, be interesting.

Diane and her husband are the proud parents of five children and grandparents to twelve wonderful grandchildren. She is grateful for the blessings of a growing family and enjoys cheering on their accomplishments, sharing family stories, and trying to keep up with everyone’s schedules—arguably her most challenging management project to date.

Grounded in faith, guided by conservative values, and inspired by the opportunities and freedoms of the United States, Diane remains committed to serving her community and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

God Bless America!!

Patricia McGinnis
Treasurer & Digital Director

Patricia McGinnis serves as the Treasurer and Digital Director for Illinois Eagle Forum, where she combines her passion for service, organization, and technology to support the organization’s mission of defending constitutional freedoms, protecting families, and strengthening communities across Illinois. As the creator and developer of the Illinois Eagle Forum website, Patty has played a key role in building the organization’s digital presence and expanding its ability to educate, inform, and engage citizens throughout the state.

Patricia earned her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology from Saint Xavier University, where she developed a strong understanding of leadership, communication, and organizational effectiveness. A devout Catholic, Patricia was raised with a deep appreciation for faith, hard work, and serving others, values that continue to guide both her personal and professional life.

As a mother of three children, Patricia is passionate about preserving the values and freedoms that strengthen families and communities. Through her work with Illinois Eagle Forum, she is committed to using her skills and experience to support grassroots engagement, promote informed citizenship, and help advance the organization’s mission throughout Illinois.