Where she’s from
The daughter of a Lutheran Minister and a bank teller, Diane is originally from Mifflinville, Pennsylvania. She attended the University of Iowa on a golf scholarship and then transferred to the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she met her husband, Bobby, also an athlete on the baseball team. Diane is a Certified Public Accountant, opening her own firm Pickett, Chaney & McMullen in Overland Park in June 2001.
About her family
Diane has been married to Bobby for 34 years. Bobby taught for many years at the Blue Valley School District and then the Gardner School District and is retiring at the end of this school year. They have two children David (age 25) and Rachel (age 22).
Why she joined the League
Diane reports that she joined the League on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2021. She appreciates the League’s non-partisan approach to issues and notes that “rather than complaining about social and political issues, I wanted to be part of the solution.”
What she thinks the League does well
The monthly programs are, in Diane’s estimation, one of the Johnson County League’s strengths. She feels the topics are current and interesting, and that the speakers offer high quality presentations.
Where she would like to see the League focus in the future
Diane agrees that LWVJoCo’s efforts to increase membership focusing on diversity (age, ethnicity and gender) are important for the future of the organization. She wonders if leaving “Women'' out of the name may help accomplish this goal.
What she does to strengthen our democracy
In these polarized times, Diane makes an effort to be open minded and not immediately dismiss opinions she disagrees with. She tries to reach out and to be involved in rational debate rather than merely disagreeing with others on issues.
Fun Fact
Diane and her husband recently moved into a house purchased from Anita and Donald Kaiser. Anita was treasurer of the LWVJoCo for many years and Diane began her work as LWVJoCo treasurer in April, 2022. Such a happy coincidence.
