South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Daryl Newell as Board President. Newell brings more than three decades of experience in financial services to advance the SECC’s next phase of growth, sustainability and strategic initiatives focused on community engagement and economic development across Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods. He succeeds Jourdan Sorrell, who has served as Board President since 2022.
“On behalf of the SECC, we sincerely appreciate Jourdan’s devoted and influential service,“ said Newell, PNC Community Development Banking Manager for Illinois and Wisconsin and SECC board president-elect. “Under his leadership, the SECC entered an exciting new chapter as a fully independent nonprofit. His steadfast commitment to our community has been truly remarkable, and we are grateful he will continue to serve on the Board, as we look ahead to the SECC’s growth over the next 75 years.”
During Sorrell’s tenure, the SECC secured a 10-year renewal of Special Service Area #61 (Downtown Hyde Park Chicago), expanded the Southside Connection Symposium to offer high level business content and impacted over 600 small businesses annually through partnerships with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Choose Chicago, and Obama Foundation.
Sorrell joined the SECC Board in 2018 and was elected Board President in 2022. He currently serves as Senior Manager of External Affairs at Comcast Corporation, where he leads initiatives to expand broadband connectivity, promote digital opportunity, and align community investment with the company’s business and policy goals. His prior experience includes leadership roles in public policy and civic engagement with Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, the Cook County Clerk’s Office, LINK Unlimited Scholars, and the Chicago Community Trust.
“It’s been an honor to serve as Board President of SECC, a role previously held by inspiring leaders like Valerie Jarrett, Elvin Charity, and the late Shirley J. Newsome. I’m deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, committed board members, and community partners for their tireless work and shared commitment to advancing SECC’s mission and goals. I’m enthusiastic about the future under the leadership of Daryl Newell, whose vision and passion make him the ideal person to guide SECC into its next chapter,” said Sorrell.
Newell has over 30 years of experience in financial services including retail banking, lending, wealth management and operations. He is active in civic organizations such as the Metropolitan Planning Council and is a former Board Member of 100 Black Men.
In 2022, he was appointed Senior Vice President and Market Manager for PNC Community Development Banking where he supports community and economic development efforts through loans, investments and educational programs for underserved neighborhoods in Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin and the Kansas City region. Prior to joining PNC, he served as Market President for Seaway Bank in Chicago.
“We are pleased to welcome Daryl as our new Board President. His financial expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset to SECC as we further our mission of facilitating and supporting economic and community development within the Southeast lakefront communities,” said Diane Burnham, Executive Director of the SECC.
SECC is honored to announce its new slate of Officers for 2025-26 and is grateful for their commitment:
- Daryl Newell Board President
- James Poueymirou, Vice President
- Prentice Butler 2nd Vice President
- Danita Childers, Treasurer
- Elizabeth Gardner, Assistant Treasurer
- Phaedra Leslie, Secretary
- Kyle Lilly, Assistant Secretary
About the South East Chicago Commission
The South East Chicago Commission is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn and to foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, investment and economic vitality.