Former Deputy Mayor to spearhead the organization’s mission for inclusive economic growth.

World Business Chicago (WBC) announced today Andrea Zopp, former Deputy Mayor of the City of Chicago, has been named President and CEO of the public-private, non-profit partnership. She succeeds Jeff Malehorn, who has held the role since 2013 and will continue to support WBC’s work as an executive advisor and board member.

Additionally, Tiffany Hamel-Johnson, who served as director of business development for WBC from 2000 to 2004, will rejoin the organization as Executive Vice President of Strategy.

Zopp will continue WBC’s mission to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, support business, and promote Chicago as a leading global city.  She will also lead the organization in its support of Mayor Emanuel’s efforts to drive economic development in Chicago’s neighborhoods.

“Andy has the perfect mix of experience and vision to lead World Business Chicago,” said Michael Sacks, vice chairman of WBC. “She brings more than 30 years of civic and corporate experience to WBC, which will help us execute on our mission to advance inclusive economic growth throughout the city.”

As deputy mayor and chief neighborhood development officer for the Emanuel administration, Zopp worked tirelessly to expand economic opportunities to Chicago neighborhoods, ranging from the enhancement of city services to education to public safety. Through projects such as the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, Zopp and her team facilitated the appropriation of $3.2 million in funding from downtown businesses to support 32 businesses across the south, west, and southwest sides of Chicago.

Before running for U.S. Senate in 2015, Zopp was the CEO of the Chicago Urban League; a partner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal; a vice president and deputy general counsel at Sara Lee; senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Sears; and chief human resources officer, executive vice president and general counsel at Exelon. Zopp has also served on the boards of the Chicago Board of Education, Cook County Health and Hospital Systems, Navy Pier Inc. and the Urban Partnership Bank.

“WBC is an integral player in forging public, civic and private sector partnerships to grow Chicago’s economy,” said Zopp. “I plan to build on the energy and success WBC has had to date, and our opportunity for growth as a global city lies in making sure economic opportunity is inclusive and equitable, focusing on communities that have long been marginalized. I look forward to working with Mayor Emanuel and our civic and corporate partners to grow Chicago for all people, businesses and neighborhoods.”

In addition to his role as executive advisor, Malehorn will also continue to help lead the city’s plan to secure Amazon’s second headquarters in Chicago – a move that will bring a $5 billion investment and an estimated 50,000 new jobs to the city.

During Malehorn’s tenure with WBC, the organization successfully recruited and retained more than 250 corporate projects, creating 30,000 jobs since 2013. Chicago has also been the top U.S. city for four straight years for corporate relocations and the top U.S. city for foreign direct investment for five straight years. Chicago Sister Cities International, a division of WBC, twice earned major awards as the top large Sister Cities program. Malehorn was also actively involved in launching many successful and impactful initiatives, including the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge and the Chicago Venture Summit with ChicagoNEXT, Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy, MATTER, Metro Chicago Exports and mHUB.

“There is no better person than Andy to continue building on WBC’s mission of inclusive growth for the city of Chicago,” said Malehorn. “Leading World Business Chicago has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. It has been an honor to work with Mayor Emanuel, WBC’s public and private partners, and our world-class teams to promote Chicago as a leading global city.”

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