On June 23, Emerging Leaders Chicago hosted a dynamic Fireside Chat with Dan Lynch, Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at United Airlines and Chair of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The conversation was moderated by Kelly O’Neill, Fleet Product Manager at bp America.
Held as part of the Emerging Leaders Fireside Chat Series, the event gathered Chicago’s rising professionals to gain career insights and leadership lessons from one of the region’s most civically engaged executives.
Dan, who recently marked 19 years with United Airlines, currently leads the company’s state and local government affairs work across the U.S., building relationships with elected officials and civic leaders from coast to coast. Before his current role, he served as Managing Director of Corporate and Government Affairs, overseeing government relations in Chicago, Denver, and Dulles, VA.
Dan’s career began in Washington, DC, where he worked for the U.S. Government Accountability Office and served as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. He later returned to Chicago to serve as a senior advisor at The Commercial Club of Chicago, where he helped lead initiatives on transportation and education reform—experience he calls “foundational” to his later success in the private sector.
“My experience in government was absolutely crucial to the career I ended up in. Starting off on the other side of the table gave me a unique perspective that I now use every day.”
He reminded attendees that career paths are rarely linear:
“Like many of you, I went to college and I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t actually know what I wanted to do.”
Highlights and Key Takeaways:
- No two career paths are the same – Be open to evolving interests and unexpected turns.
- Take calculated risks – “An important lesson is to be open to changing locations if it means there’s a new opportunity.”
- Balance education with experience – “There’s no substitute for on-the-job learning.”
- Watch and learn from strong leaders – “Pay attention to the leaders within your organizations and take away important lessons from them.”
- On the value of listening – “I’d say listening is a very undervalued skill. When you’re in meetings, listen to what other people are saying. Take that info into your calculus because it will not only help you to understand people better, but also will help you make better decisions.”
- Advice to his younger self – “I wish that I was more confident and that I leaned in a little more starting out.”
- Attitude matters – “Rely on the quality of your work and your attitude by being a team player.”
- Get involved early – “Lean in. Be engaged. Join a board or advisory board. It’s not only meaningful—it’s an amazing way to meet other leaders.”
As Board Chair of the Chamber, Dan plays an active role in shaping its programming and strategic direction.
“As Board Chair, I’m there to help direct board meetings, guide [Chamber President and CEO] Jack Lavin on decisions with the board and programming, and really be a cheerleader for the Chamber and business community. It’s a remarkable tradition.”
The conversation gave Emerging Leaders attendees practical, personal, and professional insights into navigating uncertainty, growing in leadership, and using their time and talents to support their communities.
