Dorri McWhorter is a transformational executive widely recognized for her collaborative, innovative, and purpose-driven leadership style blending corporate strategy with social impact in a way that’s both disruptive and focused on humanity. Dorri is known not only for her strategic vision but for her genuine warmth, optimism, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and collective advancement. As President & CEO of the Executives’ Club of Chicago, Dorri is leading one of the most storied and influential business platforms into its next chapter — defined by bold ideas, meaningful connections, and transformational leadership. Under her direction, the Club is expanding its influence, reimagining its role in the civic-business ecosystem, and convening the conversations that shape the future of business.
Prior to joining the Exec Club in June 2025, Dorri served as President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where she led a region-wide transformation. Under her leadership, the Y increased revenue by nearly 50%, launched groundbreaking partnerships with Nike and Peloton, and collaborated with the West Side community to open the first new YMCA in more than two decades — part of a visionary development focused on health equity.
Previously, Dorri served as CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, transforming it into a 21st-century social enterprise. She scaled operations across 10 new locations, increased the operating budget by 300%, and launched a retirement plan for childcare providers and small business owners. Dorri also led a novel effort to develop an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for women’s empowerment (NYSE: WOMN) in partnership with Impact Shares. At its first eligible measurement date, WOMN ranked in the top quartile of Morningstar U.S. Large Blend category. Prior to taking on leadership roles in the social enterprise sector, she was a partner at Crowe LLP, one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S.
Dorri serves on the Board of Directors for several companies, including LanzaTech Global, Lifeway Foods, William Blair Funds, NexPoint Capital, and Skyway Concession Company (Chicago Skyway). She is also active in the accounting profession, serving on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council, and has previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Illinois CPA Society. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of First Women’s Bank.
Dorri’s leadership is featured in the 2023 documentary Uncharitable, and she is deeply engaged in civic life through board service with Common Impact, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Civic Consulting Alliance, the Civic Federation, the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology, and Hope Chicago. She holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lake Forest College.
Dorri resides between Chicago, Illinois, and Racine, Wisconsin, with her husband James McWhorter an educator, and Tuesday McWhorter, a sassy beagle mix.