Our new “Legacy of Leaders” series highlights just some of the many people whose dedicated work has been indispensable in getting the AADC to the precipice of this magnificent milestone. They all have established an enormous legacy of leadership that will ensure the future of our sisterhood. Let’s celebrate them!

Published on April 13, 2022

Keen financial savvy, organization management expertise and a heartfelt devotion to her alumnae association are all attributes of Ann Darby ’77.

For more than four decades, Ann has shared her financial acumen with the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, stemming from her 20-year career in finance at J.P. Morgan & Co., where she retired as a Vice President. Ann has served as a member of the AADC Investment Committee beginning in 1999; becoming Chair in 2009 for a decade. Her leadership and ability to harness the expertise of committee members in arriving at critical decisions in the aftermath of the financial crises of 2007-2008 was instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for future growth of the AADC. Her dedication and investment common sense continue to contribute to prudent management of the AADC investment funds. Ann also served on The Douglass Fund Committee.

Ann’s management expertise has been a gift to the AADC as well. She provided valuable insights as a member of the AADC Board of Directors and leads by example with her philanthropy. She has been a lead donor in AADC Capital Campaigns and consistently contributes to the AADC Annual Appeal.

When she is not sharing countless hours as a volunteer on AADC committees and as an active member of her class, Ann and her husband Bill have explored new horizons through the AADC Alumnae Travel Program.

Ann’s value of public service led her to successfully seek elected office as a Township Commissioner in Cranford. During her time on the Committee, she served as Deputy Mayor, Commissioner of Finance and Commissioner of Public Affairs. She has been a member of the Cranford Environmental Commission for nearly two decades and has served as a Trustee of the Cranford Public Library and as a member of Cranford’s Planning Board.

Ann is currently a member of the Advisory Council for Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, where she received her Masters in Business with a concentration in finance and accounting.

For her unwavering service, loyalty and enthusiasm to the AADC, Ann has been honored with the 2020 Margaret T. Corwin Award, the AADC’s highest award for service, as well as the 2012 Alumnae Recognition Award.

As the AADC counts down to its 100th Anniversary, we are proud to recognize Ann Darby among our Legacy of Leaders. She is helping to ensure the strength of our organization for generations to come.