Pusateri, with the Chamber for More than 10 Years, previously served as Executive Vice President
Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the region’s leading advocate for business growth, while also providing leadership on strategic initiatives, announced Caitlin Pusateri has been named as the organization’s President.
Pusateri has been with the Chamber for more than 10 years and accepted the position after previously serving as Executive Vice President. She will lead the Chamber’s strategic initiatives, create and oversee the implementation of impactful regional connections, manage staff and day-to-day operations, and set the path forward for continued organizational success.
“I’m thrilled to continue my work advocating for the businesses that help build up our thriving local economy and diverse community. A strong business environment allows for a vibrant, healthy, and forward-thinking community. With our mission to ‘Lead Business Growth’ as my North Star, I am committed to serve our members, advocate on their behalf, and ensure the Rockford region is good for their prosperity,” Pusateri said.
With more than 1,000 members, the Chamber advocates for public policy focused on business community support and related to public education, crime and safety, and business leadership in the public sector.
In her new role, Pusateri will lead one of the partner organizations which reports to the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP), a non-profit umbrella organization encompassing and aligning the efforts of both the Chamber and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council’s (RAEDC) to positively impact the region’s business growth.
“I’ve worked with Caitlin for more than 12 years and have seen firsthand her leadership and impact she has on our community. She’s extremely qualified to take the reins and continue building upon the bright legacy she’s been so much a part of so far,” Einar Forsman, CEO of the GRGP said. “Her experience with our organization and her dedication to our community will set herself – and our region – up for success. The future is bright under her leadership.” Pusateri began working for the Chamber as Executive Director of IGNITE in 2010 and has worked for the Chamber in some capacity ever since. In October 2015, she became Vice President of Leadership Development. After being named Executive Vice President in 2021, she continued to develop leadership opportunities for Chamber members and spearhead opportunities to connect members to professional development, economic possibilities, and networking.
Last year, Pusateri completed four years of the US Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management, a program designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize chamber of commerce professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to nonprofit management.
She also completed the ACCE Fellowship for Economic Recovery, a selective 10-month virtual cohort program of 45 Chamber professionals from across the country that explores timely theories, approaches, and best practices through a combination of peer learning, expert consultations, and network-building.
“Caitlin is not only recognized locally as a change-maker, influencer for good culture, and leader but she’s also received recognition on a national level. She is someone we can rely on at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and we are so thankful for her continued commitment to excellence,” said Dan Ross, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Originally from Byron, Pusateri also has worked for The Arthritis Foundation, Rockford University, and Blackhawk Bank. She completed her master’s degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in training and development at Lewis University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music and business from Illinois Wesleyan University.
She sits on the boards for the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Discovery Center Museum. She previously held board or committee roles on the River District Association, Club Blue, Rockford Leaders, and the YWCA Leader Luncheon.
In the past six months, both the Chamber and the RAEDC announced new leadership. Therese Thill was named president of the RAEDC in late 2021.
“The economic and business oversight in our region is in good hands with two talented individuals,” Forsman said. “It’s a pivotal time for Rockford and I have no doubt their partnership and collaboration will spark unity, innovation, and opportunity for the region.”
About the Rockford Chamber of Commerce
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce delivers benefit to the community by leading in the promotion of economic growth, advocating for the interests of business, and providing service and educational opportunities that help its members grow. www.rockfordchamber.com
About the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership
The Greater Rockford Growth Partnership (GRGP) oversees and aligns the goals of its partner organizations in taking bold action to create the most vibrant, innovative, thriving economy of any mid-sized region in the nation. The Partnership is the catalyst for economic prosperity and well-being by cohesively leveraging our strengths to accelerate business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurs within the region. Currently, the two organizations involved in the partnership are the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. www.grgp.org
