Published July 18, 2025
The national anti-hunger community lost a champion this week. Diane Doherty, executive director of Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC) since 1996, passed away on July 14, 2025. During her time in FRAC’s network, she worked tirelessly with many FRAC staff and partners to fight poverty-related hunger in Illinois and across the U.S.
“For those of you who had the opportunity to get to know Diane, she was — in a word — fearless,” said FRAC Board member Pat Baker. “She did not shy away from a battle. Diane took on so many campaigns with incredible energy, deep policy knowledge, and grace.”
FRAC President Crystal FitzSimons worked with Doherty since FitzSimons started at FRAC over 20 years ago. FitzSimons reflected on their relationship, “Everyone at FRAC is heartbroken by the loss of Diane Doherty. She was an incredible advocate and a wonderful, kind person who brought immense compassion to this work. Diane was a longtime partner to FRAC and our network, and a powerful force in the fight against hunger in Illinois and across the country. She made a lasting impact on our network and on the lives of tens of thousands of people. We will miss her dearly.”
In 2019, Doherty and IHC accepted the Dr. Raymond Wheeler/Senator Paul Wellstone Anti-Hunger Advocacy Leadership Award, which is historically awarded by FRAC to an advocacy group and its leadership for demonstrating outstanding leadership in the fight against hunger in America.
At the time, FRAC President Jim Weill highlighted the impact of Doherty’s work, stating, “Not only has Illinois Hunger Coalition’s work created positive change across Illinois, the organization and Diane also serve as role models for anti-hunger advocates throughout the nation.”
Doherty is remembered as a fierce advocate and kind colleague. FRAC joins the anti-hunger community and Illinois in mourning the loss of a close friend and ally.
