Crain’s Chicago Business recognizes top Chicago-area leaders for their accomplishments
Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson has been named to the 2024 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders list, which recognizes leaders who apply their professional skills to strengthen and generate positive growth for a nonprofit organization. Since assuming his role in September 2023, Atkinson’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing Intersect Illinois’ mission to spur economic opportunity in Illinois.
Appointed Chairman of Intersect Illinois by Governor Pritzker, Atkinson’s hands-on approach has enhanced both the organization’s impact and the state’s business climate. Notable achievements include transforming Intersect’s board of directors, engaging closely with site selectors, helping position Illinois as a premier destination for target industries such as quantum computing and serving as an ambassador for economic development both throughout the state and on trade delegations to the United Kingdom and Japan.
Atkinson has led efforts to recruit more than 35 new CEO, President, Managing and Executive Director and market leader level members across industries to Intersect Illinois’ board of directors since the end of 2023, expanding the organization’s reach and engagement. Under Atkinson’s leadership, the board recently appointed Christy George as President and CEO, who brings previous experience as the Executive Director of the Chicago 2024 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention and First Assistant Deputy Governor for Budget & Economy in Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office to the helm of Intersect.
“As a member of the Intersect Illinois Board of Directors, I can personally attest to John’s ability to guide organizations through periods of significant change and growth,” said Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, J.D., President of Chicago State University and Intersect Illinois board member. “His leadership in growing our board of directors, pursuing key industries and expanding Intersect’s impact has been transformative. He is all in for Illinois.”
In addition to bolstering the board of directors, Atkinson has played a key role in Team Illinois, the economic development coalition that includes the Governor’s Office, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, and EDO, utility and other partners throughout the state. Together, this group has been instrumental in encouraging businesses in high-growth industries to be in Illinois.
As part of this collaboration with Team Illinois, Atkinson and Intersect have taken steps to position Illinois as a global hub for quantum computing, including hiring Intersect’s inaugural Chief Quantum Officer, Preeti Chalsani, helping make the historic Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) a reality and securing PsiQuantum as the IQMP’s anchor tenant.
“I am honored to be included in Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders list. This recognition is a reflection of the tremendous growth and progress we have made at Intersect Illinois over the past several months,” said John Atkinson. “Generating economic growth benefits us all, and I am proud to do my part to showcase our state’s assets to build upon our economic development momentum and continue creating opportunity.”
Intersect Illinois has seen notable results in its efforts to attract business and jobs to Illinois. The organization’s recently released annual report showed Intersect Illinois-assisted projects from FY24 accounted for 2,738 new jobs (up 158% over last year) and $2.05B in investment (up 47% over last year).
Atkinson is Managing Director for Marsh USA and serves as the Chairman of Marsh Chicago. In his current role, he oversees one of Marsh’s fastest-growing businesses in North America, leads civic and community engagement for the firm and contributes to the growth of Marsh’s business in the Midwest.
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