Corporate Office - Ivy Center

The idea of a national office was first proposed in 1928. Chicago was selected because, at the time, it was the industrial center of America and geographically convenient to more members.

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s first national office opened in October 1949, in a suite of rooms in the Washington Park Bank Building, at 63rd and Cottage Grove.

In 1952, the Sorority moved into a four-story structure on South Greenwood Ave., becoming the first Greek-letter organization to own a permanent headquarters building.

In July 1985, Alpha Kappa Alpha dedicated its multi-million dollar state-of-the-art international corporate office—the Ivy Center. Financed by members, the initial construction was completed debt-free.

At the time of its dedication, the Ivy Center was a 16,800 sq. ft. building set on a 22,250 sq. ft. lot. In 1992, an additional floor and storage facility was added to further promote the Sorority’s position in the corporate community.

The Ivy Center is nestled in one of Chicago's renowned educational meccas, at Lorraine R. Green Drive/57th St. and South Stony Island Ave., overlooking Jackson Park and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

Executive Directors

Over the decades, the Sorority's elected officers—who are volunteers—have been responsible for conducting its affairs. In 1948, the Sorority voted to establish a professional staff position (then known as Administrative Secretary; now known as Executive Director) to handle administrative duties formerly performed by its president and secretary. The capable women who have held this post include:

Carey B. Maddox-Preston 1948 - 1974

Anne Mitchem-Davis 1974 - 1980

Earnestine G. McNealey 1980 - 1985

Barbara A. McKinzie 1985 - 1987

Nan D. Johnson 1987 - 1988

Alison Harris Alexander 1989 - 1996

Emma Lilly Henderson 1997 - 1998

Carey B. Maddox-Preston 1998 - 1999

Betty N. James 1999 - 2009

Deborah L. Dangerfield 2009