April 27, 2026
Member: Damion D. Heron
Role: Board of Directors
You became a member and joined the Board of Directors in 2023. What originally drew you to Civic Federation, and what continues to interest you about our work?
As a policy nerd, I was initially drawn to Civic Federation because of the important role it plays as an independent, nonpartisan organization focused on government finances and public accountability. In a city like Chicago—where public budgets, pensions, and taxes directly affect daily life—Civic Federation’s role is practical and influential. The Federation’s ability to translate complex financial issues into plain language is critical for policy makers, businesses, and residents. That was true 20 years ago when I first learned about the organization and it is still true today. I’m honored to be a tiny part of that.
JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) has a clear focus on civic engagement, especially in and around Chicago. What are some highlights and special projects that the organization has led or supported since you’ve been with the company?
In my seventeen years with Chase Bank, I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of many different initiatives, including building the company’s first civic engagement program in the Midwest.
Perhaps the biggest highlight has been executing our $200 million decade-long philanthropic commitment. This commitment is designed to strengthen economic opportunities and close equity gaps by investing in people, businesses, and communities that have historically lacked access to capital and resources. It represents one of the firm’s largest place-based philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting more inclusive and sustainable neighborhood growth. After ten years, I am proud of the programs we’ve scaled, the lives we’ve impacted, and the small role I’ve played in making Chicago a better place.
What is your vision for Chicago and its next generation of leaders? What can financial institutions and civic leaders do to help make that vision happen?
As someone who’s overseen our public engagement practice in dozens of cities, I can confidently say that Chicago is second to none in terms of its civic culture, institutions, and collaborative spirit. That culture doesn’t just happen. It requires constant nurturing and continued investment. I envision a Chicago where the next generation of leaders will put us on a strong fiscal path. They will have the courage to make difficult decisions to invest in the safety and growth of our city, protect and invest in our civic institutions, and ensure that all 77 neighborhoods are vibrant places where families can thrive.
Fill in the blank: Chicago is the best at __________?
Since I’ve already bragged about our civic culture, I am going to go with food. Pound for pound, Chicago is the best food city in America, and I will fight anyone from New York in defense of that statement.
Your best friend is coming to Chicago for the first time. They only have 24 hours to spend and there’s no price limit. What should they do?
Ooohhh. Good Question. I am starting in Hyde Park with a donut from Dat Donut. Then, grab a Divvy bike to ride across University of Chicago Campus to the lake. Bike Lakeshore up to Navy Pier for the flyover experience that gives a unique bird’s eye view of Chicago. After, we swing by the Wrigley Building and do the Architecture Tour before heading over to Pilsen to Carnitas Uruapan or El Milagro for some carnitas and tacos. Obviously, this is during summer, so can head up to Wrigley to catch a Cubs game. And since money is no object, splurge on a nice dinner at Alinea. If there’s anything left in the tank, head down to Legends. If you’re lucky, the great Buddy Guy will melt your face with some blues.
Damion Heron is the Midwest Executive, Corporate Responsibility at JP Morgan Chase Bank.
First and foremost, Damion is a dedicated father and husband. When he’s not doing that, he is a corporate responsibility executive at JPMorgan Chase leading the firm’s public engagement strategies across a fourteen-state region. He Joined JPMorgan Chase in 2008, and over the past 16 years has held leadership roles in philanthropy, community engagement and development, and public affairs. He currently leads a team of philanthropists and community and economic development professionals dedicated to investing resources, building partnerships, and informing our business on how to create products and services that best serve all our customers and communities. Prior to his time with JPMorgan Chase, Damion held similar roles in the private and public sectors with The Boeing Company Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Britain’s House of Commons. Outside of work and family he's active as a civic leader with one goal in mind, to make the City of Chicago and state of Illinois a better place to live. He is 2014 Edgar Fellow, and a proud 2018 Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellow. He was also humbled to be named to Crain’s Chicago list of who’s who in Community Development. Damion has served on boards and steering committees of several prominent organizations including Civic Federation of Chicago, Leadership Greater Chicago, Neighborhood Housing Services, Forefront, Asset Funders Network and Social Responsibility Chicago.
Damion holds B.A degrees in Political Science and Philosophy from Bradley University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago.