Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues

Washington, D.C. (June 22, 2023) – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Liz McQuillen, director of government affairs and public policy for Greater Louisville Inc. was selected to participate in the eighth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

“GLI’s staff are industry experts and thought leaders in their fields, and I am thrilled Liz has the opportunity to strengthen her expertise on education and workforce policy. The insights and skills she will take from the Business Leads Fellowship Program will provide tremendous value to our investors and our work to grow our regional economy,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of GLI.

Following a competitive application and selection process, McQuillen was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the eighth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

McQuillen joined GLI in 2021 following nearly a decade of service as a legislative aid for Louisville’s Metro Council. She oversees GLI’s local advocacy, six issue advisory committees, and the production of GLI’s three annual legislative agendas. Among her successes, McQuillen was integral in advocating for local zoning changes to expand access to childcare last year.

“It is an honor to be accepted into this prestigious fellowship and have the opportunity to learn from national experts to support Greater Louisville businesses,” said McQuillen. “Workforce is a top concern for GLI’s investors and there is a direct correlation between education and the success of our future workforce. I am looking forward to learning more about the policies GLI can pursue to strengthen our region’s talent pipeline.”

Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 250 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.

“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.

 

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About Greater Louisville Inc.

Greater Louisville Inc. is the Metro Chamber of Commerce and represents 15 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. GLI’s mission is to grow businesses and the regional economy. GLI supports businesses during every stage of development and represents the collective needs of the business community by advocating for pro-growth policies and economic development investment, and deploying programming centered around attracting and developing talent and economic inclusion. GLI is the 2019 National Chamber of the Year and is one of only three percent of chambers nationally certified with 5-star accreditation status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more on social media @GLIchamber or visit www.greaterlouisville.com.