With more than 300 members, the Emerging Leaders community is a dynamic cross-sector network of Chicago’s visionary, globally minded, locally committed leaders.
Abin Kuriakose is the first-ever chief strategy and innovation officer for World Business Chicago (WBC), the city's economic development organization, chaired by the mayor. In this role, Kuriakose and his team manage a portfolio of high-impact economic development programs to grow the region’s tech, innovation, and startup economy.
At Resolute Consulting, John McGovern focused on strategic communications in the public policy arena and provided expertise in navigating complex decision-making processes in Illinois and Washington, D.C. He previously worked for US House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert and served as the executive director of Keep Our Majority PAC.
Previously, Rebecca Neale Hampson was a senior advisor to the Paulson Institute’s chairman, former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, on his efforts to strengthen the US-China relationship. She also oversaw Paulson’s strategic priorities and special projects and served as a chief advisor on his initiatives to tackle US economic challenges and global environmental protection.
Lisa Reijula designs and implements strategic programs to help businesses overcome barriers to export, such as grants to offset financial risk, an intensive strategic plan development cohort, and pitch competitions for small businesses.
Kathryn Reilly works to connect the worlds of commerce and public policy, shape business-related public policy, and create impactful communication campaigns. With more than 15 years of corporate experience, Reilly has led public affairs efforts at two Fortune 500 manufacturing and services enterprises.
Julien Rosan joined Global Affairs Canada in 2019 and serves as trade commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago where he's responsible for trade and innovation initiatives to support Canadian technology companies seeking to do business in the US market. Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, Rosan served as business development director for Business France.
Before joining Illinois' Department of Human Rights, Jason Rosensweig was assistant director for advocacy and international affairs at the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a global Jewish advocacy organization. He handled AJC's political advocacy, visiting dignitaries like ambassadors, and working with elected officials, community partners, and consuls general of the Chicago Diplomatic Corps.
In her current role, Bria Scudder helps manage more than ten state agencies, including the Department of Corrections, State Police, Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. She also directs and implements the administration’s top policy initiatives, including energy and criminal justice reform.
Before his role at the Chicago Job Council, Jacob Sitati cofounded Maurice + Fischer, an international advocacy firm focused on public affairs, public policy, and market entry strategy. He directed the overall business for the firm and led the counsel on policy and advocacy work.
Lydia Stazen is a globally recognized leader and subject matter expert with two decades of experience across policy organizations, public-private partnerships, and university systems. She currently serves as director of policy operations for Chapin Hall, where she provides executive leadership to the policy team and oversees day-to-day operations related to the policy portfolio.
