Meet the Chapter Leaders of Chicago! Last week, we announced the inaugural class of Chapter Leaders for Women We Admire. Today, we are highlighting the incredible women of Chicago who serve as leaders in their communities. In addition to helping us shape in-person regional events and support new members, our Chapter Leaders will be featured at our upcoming national event on October 17.
Danielle Kays
Partner, Fisher Phillips
Danielle Kays leads the Fisher Phillips biometric privacy team in Chicago and is a trial lawyer in the employment litigation group. She represents companies in a broad range of biometric, privacy, and employment law matters in individual and class actions, litigating in federal and state courts and arbitrations across the country.
With 20 years of experience and more than 30 successful trial verdicts, clients seek Danielle’s expertise on cutting-edge issues relating to complex biometric and privacy law litigation and compliance and employment law. Danielle is a thought leader on biometric privacy laws (including BIPA) and new class actions arising under the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA).
Not just a litigator, Danielle is the mother of two wonderful sons. Danielle is passionate about the advancement of women in the legal profession and enjoys mentoring college and high school students interested in the law. Danielle also enjoys serving on the Illinois Wesleyan University Board of Trustees Executive Committee and served as a Board Director for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA.
Liz Murnin
VP, Head of Business Development and Marketing, PETERMAYER
Liz Murnin’s passion for driving new business and growth is unparalleled. A visionary leader energized by building an organization's sales practice and high-performing teams, Liz has spent the past decade serving on leadership teams. During this time, she has established herself as a proactive collaborator and decisive executor who leads with tenacity and empathy. Inspired by great leaders who have nurtured her insatiable hunger to be a good human and a constant contributor, Liz is eager to give back.
With extensive experience in building strategic client relationships and designing impactful business solutions, Liz has carved out a distinguished twenty-year career spanning corporate and agency development, growth, management, and executive roles. Recognized as a trusted partner, innovative marketer, and business development powerhouse, she is also part coach, part empower-her, and a full-time collaborator and leader.
Liz is renowned for her ability to drive results by building and motivating business development and marketing teams, developing new clients and organic growth, and creating and executing comprehensive sales and marketing plans. Comfortable working with everyone from the C-suite to entry level, she has a proven track record of success with high-profile clients and consistently exceeds growth goals. She adds value and contributes to the overall success of the organization through her credibility, professionalism, empathy, and expertise.
Renee Melville
President and CFO, 818 Capital
Renee Melville is a results-driven executive with a passion for transforming lives through financial empowerment. She has been leading the finance department for 818 Capital Group, with over $2 billion in assets under management and a 35-year history, since 2016. Renee assumed the dual role of President and CFO in 2023, where she collaborates with industry leaders to bring strategic investment solutions to individuals, families, organizations, and outside financial planning advisors.
Renee has been helping individuals and businesses grow and manage their finances since 2011. During her years as the founder of an accounting and tax practice, Renee consulted with business owners and personal tax clients to implement financial best practices and improve their bottom line. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate helping women overcome obstacles to achieving their professional goals. Renee’s experience includes mentoring and developing female leaders and a board position with the Chicago chapter of Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance.
Renee earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in organizational behavior (summa cum laude) and an MBA with a concentration in accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management (with distinction). She keeps her skills and expertise current with ongoing professional development, including coursework through the John L Ward Center for Family Enterprises at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Serving as a Chapter Leader for the Women We Admire platform aligns with Renee’s desire to co-elevate women as they grow their impact as leaders within their organizations and communities. In her free time, you will find Renee enjoying her family and labrador retriever, Lana, or gardening, traveling, and exploring the culinary arts.