Chicago’s Lyle Logan’s dedication to service is created for times like these

After 45 years in the banking industry, former Vice Chairman of Northern Trust Lyle Logan retired in 2025 to enjoy a life of service on seeral different fronts. His professional career may be coming to a close, but his commitment to the community remains as strong as ever.

As a lifelong Chicagoan, Lyle was raised in a family that gave back. “My parents were teachers, and we were actively involved in the community. We ended up working with organizations that had been supported by United Way,” Lyle said.

Lyle briefly left Chicago to study accounting and economics at Florida A&M University. Following graduation, he returned to the Windy City and started his banking career at Continental Bank, which later became Bank of America, all while attending business school at night at the University of Chicago.

Lyle’s childhood connection to United Way of Metro Chicago came full circle at Continental Bank – and two decades later when he would join Northern Trust. He embraced both banks’ culture of philanthropy, where business leaders set an example of community giving through United Way.

“Like many Chicago corporations, Continental Bank was a dedicated supporter of United Way,” Lyle said. “The same with Northern Trust. There was an expectation set by previous CEOs of Northern Trust that it’s not just your shareholder wealth that’s important but also your clients, your staff, and your communities. The commitment to the community was a critical issue of why we support United Way.”

Through workplace giving, Lyle generously supported United Way of Metro Chicago for decades because he believes in the power of working together and investing in neighborhoods so everyone can thrive. “If we don’t invest in our communities, if we don’t challenge the status quo, I think we’ll see a deterioration in our quality of life as a community. We can only be as good as those who are challenged with the basics in life,” Lyle said.

Lyle was inspired to give back early in his career – and he’s paying it forward. He has served as a mentor and “financial expert and pillar of the community” for many, said United Way of Metro Chicago’s Chief Financial Officer Ronald DeNard. “I’ve been fortunate to benefit from his wisdom and guidance across all aspects of life – career, social, civic, and political,” Ronald said. “His influence has profoundly shaped my own journey, as well as the lives of my family and countless others in our community.”

Now, while enjoying his retirement, Lyle isn’t slowing down. He continues to cultivate his relationships and support organizations – like United Way – that are making a real positive difference in the Chicago region. And he charges others to join him.

“Find something you’re passionate about. Put your time, energy, and money into that organization, into that cause, into that perspective, and it will make a difference,” Lyle said. “I got involved with organizations because I was passionate about the work. You’ve got to give back your time. It’s easy just to write a check, but you’ve got to give your time.”

“I’ll continue to stay involved and support United Way because it does a really good job of leveraging community energy,” Lyle added. “United Way creates energy around people giving their time and treasure to our great community.”

Logan will keynote, “Alpha: For A Time Such As This,” reflects the urgency of servant leadership in today’s world and will be highlighted in the keynote address by Bro. Lyle Logan.