Chicago Lung Association Hires New Executive Director

Today, the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago announced Danielle Villarreal-Trojanek as its new Executive Director.

In her new role, Villarreal-Trojanek is charged with increasing the Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s mission activities through effective and successful implementation of fundraising initiatives, raising awareness of Lung Association resources and creating an atmosphere in which market staff and volunteers successfully partner to meet all Lung Association strategic imperatives. 

“I’m incredibly honored to lead the Lung Association in Greater Chicago. The mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease through education, advocacy and research is one that speaks to me both professionally and personally.” said Villarreal-Trojanek. “As a spouse and daughter of military veterans, I know the risks of lung disease for veterans, especially with many being exposed to burn pits.”

She grew up in the West Lawn area of Chicago and spent a lot of time at her family-owned real estate business in Little Village or “La Villita,” run by her grandmother, Anita. During her time there, Villarreal-Trojanek realized the need to help underserved and Hispanic communities. 

“As part of my overall role responsibilities, I’m mindful of health disparities in the Chicago area. We continue to see disparities in high rates of air pollution in underserved Chicago neighborhoods, like “La Villita.” Chicago is currently the 16th most polluted city in the U.S. I look forward to working with communities, corporate leaders and elected officials to help address these issues as they relate to lung health,” said Villarreal-Trojanek.

Villarreal-Trojanek began her career with the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen, where she oversaw Día del Niño, a community health and wellness event. After that, she was with the American Diabetes Association and then was the Director of Corporate Relations for the American Heart Association. She has a Bachelor of Science in business marketing from Lewis University. Villarreal-Trojanek is married to her husband, Michael Trojanek, and has two children, Athena and Atlas.

“The Lung Association is fortunate to add someone of Danielle’s caliber to our organization. Among her many qualities, she brings a strong background in Chicago’s Latino community, expertise in fundraising and development, and a passion for preventing lung disease and improving overall health,” said Meghan Miller, Senior Vice President of Development for the Western Division at the Lung Association.