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Caitlin Pusateri, chief operating officer for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), was named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 2024 Forty Under 40 list of emerging leaders shaping the chamber of commerce industry.

This annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. The list includes executives and staff professionals from a variety of roles and chamber sizes. Pusateri and her fellow honorees were selected for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to identifying innovative solutions that will help shape the future of the chamber profession.

“I am truly honored to be recognized alongside such an impressive group of chamber professionals,” Pusateri said. “This acknowledgment highlights the important work we’re doing at GRCC, and I’m fortunate to work with a talented, dedicated team. We look forward to continuing to drive programs and initiatives that lead business growth in the Rockford Region.”

Eligible chamber professionals must be nominated by their chamber’s president/CEO, direct supervisor or board chair. Candidates must demonstrate meaningful involvement in the advancement of their community and proven professional success within their chamber. Pusateri was nominated by GRCC’s CEO Angela Kay Larson.

“Leading a chamber is filled with challenges. Those challenges are amplified when your chamber is in the midst of a merger, reorganization, reduction-in-force, software conversion, and leadership transition—all on the heels of the 2020 pandemic. And yet, amidst all this change, Caitlin persevered and relentlessly served our members and supported the GRCC team.” Larson said. “We’re grateful for Caitlin’s leadership and the critical role she plays in shaping the success of our organization and our region.”

“These remarkable leaders exemplify the talent and commitment that drive meaningful change,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Their inspiring passion to advance their communities and promote innovation in the chamber profession shape a promising future for those they impact.”

ACCE has over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry.

The full 2024 Forty Under 40 list was announced publicly in the Fall 2024 edition of Chamber Executive, ACCE’s digital magazine. View all the honorees online at magazine.acce.org.