Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce names new chief executive

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free newsletter

ROCKFORD — The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce has named Angela Kay Larson as its chief executive officer.

The board for the chamber announce the selection of Larson on Monday morning in a news release. She is the first CEO since the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Area Economic Development Council, and the Greater Rockford Growth Partnership merged last year.

“Angela is the ideal leader to move the organization forward,” Terry Voskuil, board chairperson, said in a news release. “She’s customer-centric, understands how businesses operate, and has extensive experience in developing and launching new products and services. We’re thrilled to have a CEO with her breadth of experience, as well as firsthand knowledge of our region.”

More news: Why are multiple car washes coming to the Loves Park area? Here’s what’s behind the business trend

Larson will begin in her role next month. Caitlin Pusateri, who led chamber staff during a search for the CEO, remains on as the organization’s president.

“When the board approached me with this opportunity, I was honored by their trust in my leadership and energized by their commitment to the organization,” Larson said in a news release. “I’m eager to begin interacting with our members and getting to know the staff, particularly Caitlin Pusateri. I’m grateful for the work she has done to lead the organization through this transition and am interested in learning from her extensive experience as a chamber professional.”

Larson currently serves as the chairwoman of the board for German American State Bank and as a board member for Pec Playhouse Theatre.

Larson has worked as a consultant, coaching and providing guidance to C-suite executives, mid-level managers, and start-up entrepreneurs, the chamber said. She has also facilitated strategic planning for companies such as Foresight Financial, JL Clark, Hargrove & Associates, and Chicago Rockford International Airport, as well as for tourism and economic development organizations including the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Discover Peoria and Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council.

She has worked with Elco Industries, SwedishAmerican Health System, Woods Equipment Company, and as a volunteer leader for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

She lives in rural Pecatonica with her husband, a fourth-generation farmer.

“Through professional, volunteer, consulting, and board experiences, she has gained insights into the needs and priorities of area businesses and organizations,” the chamber said in a news release. “She will blend these local perspectives with decades of experience from national and global companies to identify and implement innovations central to the Rockford area’s long-term economic success.”

Larson will be responsible for leading the chamber’s mission to develop and support a thriving business community.

“We have a lot of work to do in outlining and executing a strategic plan that honors our mission and the expectations of members and investors,” she said in a news release. “In doing so, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the staff, board, and other organizations engaged in supporting and growing our business community.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas