John Carpenter Selected as President & CEO

Choose DuPage, the driving force for economic development in DuPage County selected John Carpenter as the new President and CEO. Carpenter most recently served as Senior Vice President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce where he was responsible for public policy initiatives, legislative affairs, and the execution of the strategic vision of the Chambers’ Board of Directors. Carpenter will lead Choose DuPage in its mission to establish DuPage County as a premier global business location. “John’s extensive experience in government relations and corporate affairs makes him well suited for this position,” said Robert Hutchinson, Private Sector Co-Chair, Choose DuPage Board of Directors. DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin commented, “Choose DuPage has made tremendous strides in the last several years. It is a prime example of a public-private partnership that works, engaging large and small employers to enrich DuPage’s business landscape, while attracting and growing new business. I know under John’s leadership our economic development efforts will continue to flourish.” Prior to joining the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Carpenter served as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for American Airlines. There he directed the Airline’s corporate programs and relationships with states, major cities, airport authorities, and civic organizations nationwide. Carpenter is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago. He has served as an employer representative on the Illinois’ Workers Compensation Commission Advisory Board. He is a senior counselor on the Public Affairs Committee of the Union League Club of Chicago, and is a trustee of the Chicago Zoological Society. “DuPage County has the second largest population in the State of Illinois, but is second to none in energy and innovation. I believe DuPage provides a business-friendly climate and an excellent quality of life, resulting in an educated, stable workforce. I’m looking forward to expanding on Choose DuPage’s successful initiatives including Rev 3, the business incubator fostering entrepreneurship in our area. And I believe our regional collaborations will grow jobs, benefitting the entire Chicagoland area. Choose DuPage serves as a model for the rest of Illinois. I’m pleased and proud to lead this transformational effort,” said Carpenter. Carpenter will begin as President and CEO on September 21, 2015.