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Thursday, October 16, 2025

Inside Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce—an Illinois DOGE Profile

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Robert Wislow Senior Council Representative | Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Robert Wislow Senior Council Representative | Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive a $1,500,000 grant in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

This appropriation represents state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Founded in 1973, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce states that its mission is: “The Chamber Foundation coordinates educational resources, programs, and research to advance the activities of the Chamber.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $233,817 in total revenue. Of that, $114,875 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 49.1% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $319,347 in contributions overall. It also reported $87,922 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

In terms of staffing, the organization spent $382,658 on salaries and reportable employee compensation in 2024, along with $16,564 in additional non-salary compensation such as retirement benefits, housing allowances, or travel stipends.

Combined, these totaled $399,222 in staff-related costs, which equates to 170.7% of total reported revenue.

At the beginning of 2024, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce had $121,967 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $179,337, indicating a significant 47% growth in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce declined in the last year, falling from $368,376 in 2023 to $114,875 in 2024—a decrease of 68.8% year-over-year.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Adam CollinsVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Amirah SalaamDirector
2024-2024Angie DaleyDirector
2024-2024Anthony ReinhartDirector
2024-2024Ashish BagDirector
2024-2024Ashley Nicole RiceDirector
2024-2024Ashli Renee NelsonDirector
2024-2024Bea BillupsDirector
2024-2024BENJAMIN CARLYLE GIBSONDirector
2024-2024Brad TietzVp Of Government Relations
2024-2024Brad RachmielDirector
2024-2024Brent Alan KentDirector
2024-2024Brian Abel GreenblattVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Bryant BrownDirector
2024-2024Carmen A RossiDirector
2024-2024Charles Ian BachtellDirector
2024-2024Chet RiskeDirector
2024-2024Chris SweetlandDirector
2024-2024Christopher Boeshart MeisterDirector
2024-2024Claribel QuintanaDirector
2024-2024CORNELL CORTEZ GRIGGSVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Cristal GaryDirector
2024-2024Crystal Maria OlsenDirector
2024-2024Damla Sener GerhartDirector
2024-2024Daniel L Woods JrDirector
2024-2024Daniel LynchVice Chair/Director
2024-2024David A HarveyDirector
2024-2024David James RitterDirector
2024-2024David BrownDirector
2024-2024David Estevan Sosa TovarDirector
2024-2024Deirdre MannaDirector
2024-2024Ed WeilDirector
2024-2024Edward SzoferDirector
2024-2024Eileen M MitchellVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Erik D BarefieldVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Eva F ParedesDirector, Member Engagement
2024-2024Gregory HughesDirector
2024-2024Gustavo SamulewskiDirector
2024-2024Gustavo BrowneDirector
2024-2024Heath K DavisDirector
2024-2024James TermanDirector
2024-2024James InglisDirector
2024-2024James Daniel KirkDirector
2024-2024Jamie B PonceDirector
2024-2024Jan KostnerSr Vp Membership & Corporate R
2024-2024Jay StieberDirector
2024-2024Jessica SmithDirector
2024-2024Jim CarrisDirector
2024-2024Joan HeggenDirector
2024-2024Jodi BednarDirector
2024-2024John SassarisDirector
2024-2024John B O'ConnorDirector
2024-2024John IdlerDirector
2024-2024John P LavinPresident And Ceo
2024-2024John P LavinPresident & Ceo
2024-2024Jonathan ChowanskyDirector
2024-2024Joseph SeligaDirector
2024-2024Joseph Michael MannaDirector
2024-2024Joshua Paul BeerDirector
2024-2024Judy MartinezVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Katie MearesDirector
2024-2024Keith Horton JrDirector
2024-2024Ken ChristensenDirector
2024-2024Kevin M CassidyChair/Director
2024-2024Kevin JohnsonSecretary/Director
2024-2024Kevin CookDirector
2024-2024Kimberly Morreale McauliffeDirector
2024-2024Kristi LafleurDirector
2024-2024Kristie P PaskvanDirector
2024-2024Kristin AtlasDirector
2024-2024Kurtis N AndersonDirector
2024-2024Lars Anthony HeemskerkDirector
2024-2024Lawrence EppleyDirector
2024-2024LINDSEY M DOUGLASDirector
2024-2024Luz Del NajeraDirector
2024-2024Malik Todd MurrayDirector
2024-2024Marci LogiudiceDirector
2024-2024Maria T MirandaDirector
2024-2024Marianne FlorianoVp Of Programs
2024-2024Marilynn K GardnerDirector
2024-2024Mark SullivanDirector
2024-2024Matthew Hobart SummyDirector
2024-2024Matthew James ConwayDirector
2024-2024Matthew Stanley SerafinDirector
2024-2024Matthew J SarosyDirector
2024-2024Matthew Hobart SummyVice President
2024-2024Michael O'RourkeDirector
2024-2024Michael M JamiesonTreasurer/Director
2024-2024Michael DeyleDirector
2024-2024Millie A SmithDirector
2024-2024Molly HartDirector
2024-2024Monica M MuellerDirector
2024-2024Mudessir MohammedDirector
2024-2024Neetika SinghDirector
2024-2024Nia MathisDirector
2024-2024Otto NicholsDirector
2024-2024Patrice DecorrevontDirector
2024-2024Patrick HolmesDirector
2024-2024Patrick DonellyDirector
2024-2024Patrick E CermakDirector
2024-2024Phil CochraneDirector
2024-2024Praj ShahDirector
2024-2024Rene R MoralesDirector
2024-2024Rich AshlinDirector
2024-2024Richard GambleDirector
2024-2024Richard BodnumDirector
2024-2024Robert A BiedermanDirector
2024-2024Robert BlackwellDirector
2024-2024Robert A WislowDirector
2024-2024Sara H BarnettSr Vp Of Operations
2024-2024Sara DecosteDirector
2024-2024Sarah Rose GlavinDirector
2024-2024Scott ZiomekDirector
2024-2024Shane K PrintDirector
2024-2024Sharon JohnsonDirector
2024-2024Stephen FerraraVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Stephen Johnson SrVice Chair/Director
2024-2024Steven SchwabDirector
2024-2024Steven E FanslerDirector
2024-2024Susana MezaDirector
2024-2024Theodore A Phillips IiiDirector
2024-2024Thomas M Finnegan IiiDirector
2024-2024Thomas WalkerDirector
2024-2024Todd HughesDirector
2024-2024Todd AhsmannDirector
2024-2024Tom KunstDirector
2024-2024Tom RickettsDirector
2024-2024Torrence L HintonVice Chair/Director
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Alexandria MuscolinoEvent Coordinator-
2024Brandi HoviziMember Resources Associate-
2024Elizabeth A SimsMembership Resource Manager-
2024Emma Louise ThompsonPrograms Intern-
2024Jason C FelgerManaging Director Of Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center-
2024John P LavinPresident & Ceo$382,658
2024John P LavinPresident And Chief Executive Officer-
2024Joseph Kimlean MakVice President, Programs-
2024Kaitlyn Marie GuerrieriManager, Board Relations-
2024Karyn A T OatesDevelopment Communications Manager-
2024Katie Lynn HamiltonDirector, Small Business-
2024Michael Gerald JohnsDoorman And Maintenance-
2024Rosalind A HecimAdministrative Assistant, Membership-
2024Sarah R HenryMember Resources Associate-
2024Teresa GarateBoard Member-
2019Amanda Jeanne YohTechnology Council-
2019David SchwartzVice President, Communications And Marketing-
2019Merrick PicardiMarketing And Communications Intern-
2018Bryan GlennMember-
2018Conor Murphy HirschEvents Intern-
2018James C GavinVice President, Finance And Administration And Chief Financial Officer And Chief Operations Officer-
2018Katherine Elizabeth VictorsonCoordinator, Board Development-
2017Aquita S JamesCommunications, Graphic And Visual Design Associate-
2017Elan Jannell RuffinConsulting Executive Assistant To Acting Chief Executive Officer-
2017Kathleen FitzpatrickExecutive Director, Programs-
2017Mina ChoeLeadership Circle Member-
2016Haley J GiangrecoGraphic Design And Visual Intern-
2016Laura WilhelmDirector, Disability:In Chicagoland-
2016Priscilla GilMarketing Communications Intern-
2016Shufen ZhaoDirector Of International Programs-
2016Susan E DeboerMarketing Communications Intern-
2016Theresa E MintlePresident & Chief Executive Officer-
2015Ellen Marie BauchGraphic And Visual Design Intern-
2015Mary C RodriguezSenior Vice President Finance And Administration-
2015Olivia Simone FowlerMembership Intern-
2015Robert JohnsonContent Manager-
2014John Christopher Roberson IiiExecutive Director, Small Business Development And Resource Center And The International Trade Center-
2013Benjamin Paul WollitzVice President Of New Member Development And Retention-
2013Cristina Maria CalderoneSustainability Intern-
2013Kendall Leah MaduziaStaff Accountant-
2013Laura M BakerDirector Of Corporate Partnerships-
2013Linda J SusmilchManager, Member Services-
2013SHANNON E Y SUNGInternational Business Intern-
2013Tonya LamiaDirector Of Communications-
2013Zachary D SloanSmall Business Coordinator-
2012Lance P PresslPresident-
2012Linda SullivanDisabilityworks Resource Coordinator-
2011Allison Ann OrrEvent Planning Intern-
2011Dolores R SimonVice President, Business And Board Development-
2011Jie Xin HuangInternational Business Analyst-
2011Stuart KalmanVolunteer Panel Member-
2010Heather WollitzAmbassador-
2009Joseph A BalasaChief Operations Officer-
2009Joshua L ScanlonExecutive Assistant-
2009Michele E RabendaDirector Of Board Relations-
2008Donna Darnay GutmanMembership Investment Manager-
2008Justin P DejongDirector Of Communications-
2007Carol BestAmbassador Chair Emeritus-
2007Kisten NolanEvents Manager-
2007Sarah E LawrenceHealthcare Industry Project Manager-
2007Stacy Lynn BenefieldResearch Assistant-
2006Andre ReedSystems Administrator-
2004Isis MartinezWorkplace Excellence Manager-
2004Joel S BergerManager Of Business Development-
2004Paul CollinsChamber Leadership Academy Facilitator-
2003Molly Marie ColeManaging Director-
2002Amy FitzgeraldInternational Business Coordinator-
2001Donovan W. PepperDirector, Government Relations-
2001Kristin Marie MelinDistrict Manager-
1999Hazel A WagnerMember-
1999James A BajtMembership Sales-
1997Robert T LaheyWorld Trade Division Director-
1996Aubrey WardTraining Manager-
1990Robert A. WislowExecutive Committee-
-Adrian GuerreroDirector-
-Alicia LylesDirector-
-Alina BirenyteStaff Accountant-
-Amber C. Defago-
-Amie DelucaDirector-
-Andrea Kasnic-
-Andrew DavidsonDirector-
-Anil AhujaDirector-
-Anne EdmundsDirector-
-Anne EdmundsDirector-
-Anthony LicataDirector-
-Bill KubiakDirector-
-Blanca BerthierDirector, International Programs-
-Brian LeonardDirector-
-Brian PascoeDirector-
-Brian NaumanDirector-
-Bruce LubinDirector-
-Caitlin StankusDirector, Forums-
-Carlyn LagroneCoordinator, Communications-
-Carol B Roper-
-Cary WoodDirector-
-Cathy BonfieldManager, Membership Retention-
-Charles FalconeDirector-
-Charles FalconeDirector-
-Chris SakaloskyDirector-
-Christopher B MontagueDirector-
-Colleen Van HamDirector-
-Courtney A ThompsonDirector-
-Dan L BohoDirector-
-Dana SnodgrassSecretary-
-Daniel W HynesDirector-
-Dave HilfmanDirector-
-David SnyderDirector-
-David EslerDirector-
-Dean PanosDirector-
-Debbie BreclawDirector-
-Deborah SawyerDirector-
-Deborah Lynn De HaasDirector-
-Demetra AlexopoulosDirector Of Corporate Strategy-
-Denise HarvillDirector-
-Denise Leroux-
-Diane MorefieldDirector-
-Diane Laoang-
-Donovan W PepperGovt Relations-
-Elise HourenDirector, Government Relations-
-Elizabeth A TraczekDirector-
-Eric PrezantDirector-
-Erik WoerhrmannDirector-
-Eva ParedesDirector, Member Engagement-
-Florence HardyDirector, Sbdc-
-Franco TedeschiDirector-
-Harry SeigleDirector-
-Ian BinghamDirector-
-Ira AzulayDirector-
-Irene DavisDirector-
-Jacqueline Hanson-
-James PajakowskiDirector-
-James FranczekDirector-
-James L TermanDirector-
-Jamie ConstantineDirector-
-Jamie Constantine-
-Jay PorterDirector-
-Jay L StieberDirector-
-Jean MclarenDirector-
-Jeff HillDirector-
-Jill SynogaSenior Director, Accounting-
-Jim GavinVice President, Finance And Administration-
-Jim KaneDirector-
-Joan A Parker-
-John KleczynskiDirector-
-John PatronskiDirector-
-John A JanicikDirector-
-John RicoDirector-
-John Rau-
-John AmbrogiDirector-
-John IdlerDirector-
-John DvorakDirector-
-John RauDirector-
-John DavidoffDirector-
-John DonahueDirector-
-John GrantDirector-
-John CarpenterSr Vp Public Policy-
-Jose R Sanchez-
-Judy GoldDirector-
-Judy Martinez-FayeDirector-
-Karen M AtwoodDirector-
-Karen HickeyVice President, Membership-
-Kate VictorsonCoordinator, Board Relations-
-Katherine HustDirector-
-Kathy SchaefferDirector-
-Katie FitzpatrickExecutive Director, Programs-
-Kelly BlizzardSenior Director, Business Analytics-
-Kim GrigsbyDirector-
-Kim GoluskaTreasurer-
-Kim RodgersSenior Manager, Events-
-Kimbal GoluskaDirector-
-Lauren Cullnan-
-Lois LememagerDirector-
-Luke EmeryDirector-
-Manny LopezManager, Member Engagement-
-Manuel Sanchez-
-Manuel SanchezDirector-
-Margaret Rose KeatingExecutive Assistant, President's Office-
-Maria RodriguezSenior Vp Of Finance-
-Marianne FlorianoVice President, Corporate Development-
-Mark AndresonDirector-
-Mark ParkerDirector-
-Mark A SegalDirector-
-Mark AndersonDirector-
-Martinez FayeDirector-
-Mary Sullivan-
-Matt SummyDirector-
-Meredith O'ConnorDirector-
-Mesha' SmithManager, Office Operations-
-Michael G. RippeyDirector-
-Michael BordersDirector-
-Michael Lee ReeverVice President, Government Relations-
-Michael CassidyDirector-
-Michael JamiesonDirector-
-Michael FiewegerDirector-
-Michael PhillipsDirector-
-Michael Dimitrios AmiridisDirector-
-Mindy MercaldoDirector-
-Neil DimondDirector-
-Pat CermakDirector-
-Pat CermakDirector-
-Patrick DolanDirector-
-Patrick BeharelleDirector-
-Patrick BeharelleDirector-
-Patrick DonellyDirector-
-Patty GreeneDirector-
-Paul V La SchiazzaChairman-
-Paul KomelaskyDirector-
-Paul La SchiazzaDirector-
-Peter B Mc NittDirector-
-Quintin King-
-Ralph HughesDirector-
-Ria KarnavasDirector-
-Rich GambleDirector-
-Richard Simon-
-Richard GodfreyDirector-
-Richard S PriceDirector-
-Rick BlairDirector-
-Rick BodnumDirector-
-Robert ClarkDirector-
-Robert A WislowDirector-
-Robert A. SullivanDirector-
-Robert W Crawford-
-Robert J ChristieDirector-
-Robert CrawfordDirector-
-Robin L BrownDirector-
-Rod ZimmermanDirector-
-Ron GidwitzDirector-
-Rosalind HecimAdministrative Assistant, Membership-
-Sandra G BruceDirector-
-Scott C SwansonDirector-
-Sharon Thomas-ParrottDirector-
-Sophia Dias-
-Stephanie SpataManager, Member Resources-
-Stephen SchwabDirector-
-Steven E FanslerDirector-
-Steven WachtelDirector-
-Susan SherDirector-
-Susan FlemingDirector-
-Ted PhillipsDirector-
-Ted SouderDirector-
-Terence DonnellyDirector-
-Tex MccarthyDirector-
-Thad HellmanDirector-
-Thomas WalkerDirector-
-Tim SimonsonDirector-
-Tom FinneganDirector-
-Tom LongDirector-
-Tom RickettsDirector-
-Tom FitzgeraldDirector-
-Tony ReinhartDirector-
-Trista HannanDirector-
-Valerie CorrDirector-
-Valerie CorrVice Chairman-
-Vince TomkinsonDirector-
-Vincent WilliamsManager, Member Engagement-
-William SnyderDirector-
-William LittleDirector-

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