Brenda Gaines

After 16 years of service, Brenda J. Gaines retired as president and CEO of Diners Club North America, where she was responsible for leading the global $29 billion-dollar Citigroup Diners Club International payment systems brand. As CEO, Gaines was credited with successfully integrating Diners Club’s North American business and broadening the card’s acceptance beyond strictly travel and entertainment to include retail and other business. She also initiated the Club Rewards program and oversaw the launch of two new credit cards, including the company’s first revolving credit card based in the United States. At Diners Club, Gaines relied on a few key principles in her successful operation of the company – “be prepared and prove your mettle through action.”

Gaines served on the Diners Club International Global Board and formerly the Citibank Canada Board of Directors. Gaines held a number of positions with Diners Club and Citigroup, including executive vice president of corporate card sales; senior vice president for government business for Diners Club; and senior vice president of residential lending for Citibank, FSB. She is a highly respected, thoughtful, and savvy business leader who shares her years of experience with audiences nationwide. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Gaines addresses leadership, business, and women and minorities in business.

Building a City. Prior to joining Citibank, Gaines served as deputy chief of staff to Chicago’s mayor, Harold Washington. She was responsible for the implementation of mayoral initiatives, development of policies and goals, and co-management of the daily operations of the city’s 42 operating departments. She also served as commissioner of the department of housing for the city of Chicago and held a series of increasingly responsible positions at the regional level for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gaines has over 12 years of experience with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including serving as deputy regional administrator.

Gained Praise, Gave Back. Gaines has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, including being recognized by Travel Agent Magazine as one of the most powerful women in the travel industry. She received the 1999 Volunteer of Year Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, and the Anti-Defamation League honored her with the Woman of Achievement Award. In 2002, Fortune magazine recognized Gaines as one of “The Most Powerful Black Executives in America,” and Black Enterprise Magazine included her as one of the “Top Fifty Blacks in Corporate America.” In 2003, The New York Times featured Gaines in “The Boss” column, and, in 2004, Ebony magazine named Gaines in “15 at the Top In Corporate America.” Crain’s Chicago Business recognized her as “100 Most Influential Women,” and she received the Women’s Foodservice Forum’s 2004 Trailblazer Award. Gaines was also honored by her alma mater, Roosevelt University, with the “Otto Wirth Award” for lifetime achievement.

Brenda Gaines speaks wholeheartedly about making a difference and imparts the lessons her parents first taught her. In her words, “You can be anything you want, just do your best.”