Bocanegra appointed to support the organization’s statewide business attraction mission
CHICAGO, IL – Intersect Illinois today announced Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas President Maria Bocanegra has joined its board of directors. With a deep understanding of the vital role utilities and collaboration between the private and public sectors play in powering economic development, Bocanegra will enhance Intersect’s efforts to attract jobs and investment to Illinois.
“Maria’s background in public-private collaboration and energy will be instrumental as we continue to tell the story of why companies all over the world should be in Illinois, especially because the state’s top-tier infrastructure is a key part of that story,” said Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson. “Intersect greatly benefits from having a robust, engaged board of directors who provide valuable insights and perspective — helping inform the organization’s overall economic development strategies and serving as ambassadors for the state’s business climate.”
Maria Bocanegra is president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, where she has primary responsibility for managing the daily operations, strategy, and administrative activities for the two Illinois utilities, which provide safe, reliable, environmentally sustainable energy to more than one million customers in Chicago and the northern suburbs. Prior to this role, she was the chief legal and government relations officer for the Port of Cleveland — the first in its 56-year history. She previously served as commissioner of the Illinois Commerce Commission, regulating investor-owned electric, gas, and water utilities in highly complex and technical matters. She has served on numerous boards and has a background in public service and law. She has also been recognized by Fortnightly’s Under 40, Negocios Now’s 40 Under 40, Negocios Now’s Who’s Who In Hispanic Chicago, Negocios Now’s Rising Star and by Latino Leaders Magazine.
“It is an honor to join Intersect Illinois and contribute to the state’s economic growth at such a pivotal time,” said Bocanegra. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise in energy infrastructure to support the evolving needs of businesses, including data centers and advanced technology sectors. Together, we will help ensure Illinois remains a top destination for investment, economic opportunity, job creation and long-term sustainability.”
“The role of utilities in powering economic development is essential and make our state’s ability to recruit and retain high-impact projects possible,” said Christy George, president and CEO of Intersect. “Maria’s background in infrastructure and public service makes her a valued asset not only for our board, but for Team Illinois as a whole.”
Comprised of academic, civic, and private-sector leaders, Intersect Illinois’ Board of Directors helps guide the organization on business attraction. Approved by a board vote, the non-partisan group leverages its collective expertise to amplify the “Why Illinois” story to encourage companies to establish a presence or expand in Illinois.
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INTERSECT ILLINOIS is the statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new jobs and investment to the state. As the state’s business attraction organization, Intersect Illinois collaborates with partners in the public and private sectors to attract new jobs and investment. The organization showcases the state’s advantages including its central location with access to the country and world, its unmatched infrastructure, and its robust workforce fueled by its dynamic higher education system. Intersect Illinois makes it easier for companies to expand in Illinois by providing a range of services to help navigate the site selection process.
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