Jessica Linder Gallo Appointed President & CEO

Dear Chamber Members and CEO Council Investors,

I am honored and thrilled to introduce myself as the new President and CEO of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the CEO Council! This opportunity to lead such a dynamic and influential organization fills me with enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility.

In stepping into this role, I am driven by a clear vision to enhance the tangible benefits our businesses receive through their engagement with the Chamber. One of my primary goals is to ensure that we provide market-responsive training and up-to-date information tailored to the evolving needs of our members. By doing so, we can equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.

I am also passionate about placemaking as a means to strengthen Peoria’s community fabric and economic vitality. By creating vibrant, engaging spaces, we can foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents and attract visitors, talent, and investment to our region. We have several exciting projects in the pipeline that I am eager to share with you. These initiatives include:

Light Installation on Water Street: This project will not only beautify a key area of our city but also create a unique attraction that will draw people to our downtown, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and its economic activity.
Additional Trainings on HR Changes for Employers: Understanding and adapting to HR changes is critical for our businesses. We will be offering specialized training sessions to keep our members informed and compliant with the latest developments in human resources.
A Comprehensive Rebrand for Our Organization: To better reflect our mission, values, and the dynamic nature of our community, we are embarking on a rebranding effort. This rebrand will encapsulate our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and growth, ensuring that our identity aligns with our strategic goals and with you, our members.

As we move forward, I am committed to fostering open communication and collaboration with all our members and investors. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we strive to create a Chamber that is not only responsive to your needs but also proactive in driving the success of our business community.

I look forward to meeting each of you and working together to elevate Peoria to new heights. Thank you for your continued support and trust in the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the CEO Council.

Warm regards,

Jessica Linder Gallo

President & CEO

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce & CEO Council

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council Appoint Jessica Linder Gallo as President & CEO

Peoria, IL – The Greater Peoria Business Alliance, which encompasses the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council, is excited to announce the appointment of Jessica Linder Gallo, IOM, ACE, as the new President and CEO, effective immediately. Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in the Chamber industry.

Jessica expressed her enthusiasm for the new role: “I am incredibly humbled and honored to be chosen to lead the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and the CEO Council. I was raised in a family with a rich history of entrepreneurship here in Central Illinois. I believe these organizations are vital to business growth and development in the greater Peoria region and will only become more valuable as we work to increase tangible benefits and services that we can provide businesses and continue our collaborative work to strengthen the region.” Jessica continued, “We have an incredible team at the Greater Peoria Business Alliance, and I look forward to leading our work into the future to support business growth.”

Jessica Linder Gallo has served as Vice President of Operations at the Peoria Area Chamber since January 2023. As Vice President, Jessica championed the creation of numerous programs and initiatives, including the Impact to Employer series and Coffee & Conversations with Elected Officials events. Additionally, Jessica wrote the grant that secured the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council $500,000 for further investment in our talent attraction and placemaking efforts.

Jessica previously served as President and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she was the first female and the youngest executive in the organization’s history. Under her leadership, the Aurora Chamber was awarded Illinois Chamber of the Year in 2020 and received a 5-star Accreditation from the US Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Jessica also held the position of Executive Director at the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, earning two Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards.

Jessica holds a B.S. in Business with a major in Hospitality Leadership from DePaul University and a Masters of Political Science focused in Applied Community and Economic Development from Illinois State University. She received her IOM designation in 2022 from the Institute for Organization Management at the US Chamber and was awarded the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) from the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in November 2023.

Andre Allen, GPBA Chair and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Chair, commented on Jessica’s appointment: “We are truly fortunate to have Jessica as our next President & CEO of the Greater Peoria Business Alliance. The strength of any team or organization is reflected in the depth of its talent. Having a seasoned and accomplished professional with strong local connections like Jessica is a significant asset. We eagerly anticipate her vision and leadership as we move forward." Matt Mamer, CEO Council Chair and GPBA Board Officer, also shared his thoughts: "We are very excited that Jessica will be taking on the role as President of the GPBA. Jessica’s experience as VP, leading major initiatives in her current role as VP of Operations at GPBA combined with an impressive history of achievements in her previous tenure as Chamber President in Aurora and Galesburg, make her an ideal fit for this important role. We look forward to Jessica’s continued leadership!”

The outgoing President & CEO, Joshua Gunn, served the Chamber for four years. The transition will be officially marked by a press conference and Q&A session on Friday, June 21, at the Peoria Riverfront Museum from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Media Contact:

Savana Nelson

Director of Marketing and Communications

snelson@peoriachamber.org

309-495-5900

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About the Greater Peoria Business Alliance: The Greater Peoria Business Alliance is a dynamic organization dedicated to promoting economic growth, fostering innovation, and supporting businesses throughout the greater Peoria area. Comprised of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and CEO Council, the Alliance serves as a catalyst for driving positive change and prosperity in our community.

Download the Press Release