Cohort 12: Introducing the Current Business Leads Fellows

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation welcomes 35 education and workforce champions as Cohort 12 of the Business Leads Fellowship Program. They join an esteemed network of more than 430 alumni representing all 50 states. 

Cohort Snapshot

• 35
  fellows
• 20
  20 states represented including California, Kentucky, New York, and Texas 
• 97 million
  people represented 

• Four fellows serve communities with less than 20 thousand residents 

• Three fellows serve states with over 10 million residents 

• Professional backgrounds include chamber of commerce executives, economic development professionals, association leaders, former educators, and current small business owners 

• Fellows collectively serve thousands of businesses and impact millions of students across their communities 

The six-month program features both in-person and virtual meetings covering the entire talent pipeline, from early childhood education to workforce development. Fellows met in Washington, D.C., to begin their cohort experience and will conclude with an in-person capstone in April 2026. 

Meet the Cohort 12 Fellows

• Rachel Beld, Vista Chamber of Commerce 

• Vanessa Bennett, Kingsport Chamber 

• Taryn Crayton, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce 

• Betsy Dexter, Commerce Lexington 

• Eric Hale, The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce 

• Bo Hellams, Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Ramiro Hernandez, Illinois Chamber of Commerce 

• Aimee Herrick, Fox Cities Chamber 

• Ginny Hoyt, Kentucky Chamber Foundation 

• Jacqueline Iniguez, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Julie Lunning, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Scott Martin, Norman Chamber of Commerce 

• Britney Martin, Association of Washington Business 

• Rachel Martinez, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce 

• Paige McKinney, Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce 

• Justine Murray, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce 

• Alessandra Muse, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Alison Paladino, The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus 

• Sara Patrick, LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce 

• Kari Puleo, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce 

• Bethaney Pung, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Luis Quiñonez, California Chamber of Commerce/California Foundation for Commerce & Education 

• Aaron Riggleman, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry 

• Vanessa Rogers, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii 

• Melanie Russo, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce 

• Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Zach Scott, Round Rock Chamber 

• Sara Swisher, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce 

• Shannon Thiele, Ames Regional Economic Alliance 

• Jane Vangsness Frisch, FMWF Chamber 

• Evann Vrana-Gerber, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce 

• Natalie Wenzler, Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Workforce Excellence 

• Christina White, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia 

• Amanda Wion, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce 

• Kara Yates, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (EREP) 

Upon completion, these leaders will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's recognized network of Business Leads alumni who are driving education and workforce initiatives across the country, sharing best practices, and creating measurable impact in their communities. After completion, they will have access to Master Classes and a powerful network of peers. 

Business Leads Fellowship Program

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