Through a generous contribution, Diana and Todd Maclin are advancing the way we understand and treat addiction. They recently made a transformational gift of $1 million to Southwestern Medical Foundation to establish The Maclin Family Distinguished Chair in Addiction Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.

“I spent the longest period of my career in Dallas and we are blessed that both of our children have ended up here too,” said Todd, who graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1978. “We feel more connected to Dallas than any other place.”

During Todd Maclin’s 37-year career with JPMorgan Chase, he had the opportunity to live across the United States and abroad in London, but in 2016 Dallas called him home. Maclin, who helped JPMorgan navigate through the 2008 crisis and the disruption of mobile banking, made the decision to retire from his position as vice chairman and focus on family.

The Maclins invested in the leading-edge research at the O’Donnell Brain Institute because it made them hopeful for a healthier future for those who struggle with addiction. Todd, who has been a Foundation Board of Trustees member since 2015, reflected on his vision for the gift.

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Supporting the Future of Mental Health Care

I grew up knowing a lot about addiction from experiences in my own family,” said Todd. “I believe that by seeking understanding of the root cause and brain science behind addiction, the talent at UT Southwestern will develop an approach to treatment that’s more personalized and has a better success rate. The work happening at the O’Donnell Brain Institute will be lifechanging for so many, and Diana and I are proud to be supporting this critical institution.

Todd Maclin

Led by Chief Bryon Adinoff, M.D., the Division of Addiction Psychiatry’s faculty and staff are developing a deeper understanding of addiction disorders through a collaborative, translational focus.

Todd and Diana place great value in the concept of giving back to one’s community, and they are also co-chairs of St. Philip’s School & Community Center’s “We Believe” capital campaign. In fact, Dallas’ philanthropic spirit was one of the many things that drew them back to the Big D.

“It’s one of the reasons the city is such a great place to live,” said Todd. “My wife and I have always been impressed by the strong connection between civic involvement and business in Dallas.”

Family remains at the core of their motivation. Todd and Diana are enjoying spending time with their children and two granddaughters in Dallas. Todd, whose impressive career had him traveling daily at times, is grateful for a downshift. “It’s nice to stay in one place,” he said.

How fortunate we are to have leaders and visionaries like Diana and Todd return to Dallas. This tremendous gift will further much needed work to tackle what has been an intractable issue of the brain. This thoughtful and caring vision will benefit untold numbers of families for generations; what a remarkable and lasting legacy.

Kathleen M. Gibson, President and CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation

When asked about advice for the next generation of philanthropists in Dallas, Todd said, “Start with giving your time and effort – financial capacity will come later as you begin accumulating experience and savings. You receive so much in return for giving that there is no reason to not get started early.”

The Maclins made their first gift in 2005 to establish The Maclin Family Distinguished Professorship in Medical Science, in Honor of Dr. Roy A. Brinkley. Todd has been on the Board of Southwestern Medical Foundation since 2015, joining the Investment Committee in 2016. He is deeply involved in civic pursuits, serving as a director of The University of Texas Development Board; as a member of the Advisory Council for McCombs Graduate School of Business; on the Executive Committee of the Chancellor’s Council; on the Board of Visitors of UT Southwestern Health System; on the Steering Committee for the Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute at UT Southwestern. He also serves on the Board of Texas Exes Alumni Association and is a lifetime member of Texas Exes and UT President’s Associates.