CHICAGO, IL, September 11, 2025 — The Executives’ Clhttps://www.executivesclub.org/about-us/news-media/chicagoinno/#anchor2ub of Chicago and Chicago Innovation today announced a strategic partnership uniting the city’s senior leadership community with its innovation ecosystem. Together, the organizations will create measurable impact and position Chicago as a model for how leadership and innovation intersect to shape the future.
The partnership will be anchored by leadership development, mentorship, and dynamic programming that brings executives and innovators together in new ways. It reflects a shared vision to position Chicago as a city where business leadership and entrepreneurial creativity combine to tackle challenges, spark ideas, and shape the future.
“Chicago is a city that doesn’t wait for the future — we build it,” said Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO of the Executives’ Club of Chicago. “By linking the power of executive leadership with the creativity of innovation, we’re creating a continuum that equips leaders to thrive, whether they’re just starting out or leading at the highest level.”
“For more than two decades, Chicago Innovation has celebrated the big ideas and bold leaders shaping our region,” said Luke Tanen, President & CEO of Chicago Innovation. “Teaming up with the Exec Club allows us to extend that energy into deeper relationships and lasting impact. Together, we can ensure Chicago continues to be a global hub where leadership and innovation fuel one another.”
Through this partnership, leaders across Chicago will gain new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow — from mentorship that bridges generations, to programs that blend executive insight with entrepreneurial energy, to communities that celebrate both leadership and innovation. The result is a more vibrant, more connected experience for members of both organizations, and greater momentum for Chicago’s business community as a whole.
More than a partnership, this is a signal of what’s possible when leadership and innovation move together. In Chicago, leadership and innovation aren’t separate pursuits — they are shared commitments that shape the future of our city and our world.
About Chicago Innovation
Founded in 2002, Chicago Innovation’s mission is to educate, connect and celebrate all innovators in the Chicago region, and its vision is to ensure that innovation is for everyone. The organization hosts monthly innovation-focused events, operates the Chicago Innovation Awards — the largest annual celebration of innovation in the Chicago region — and oversees several mentoring programs, the Chicago Innovation Women’s Mentoring Co-op to support female innovators; The Ladder to support Black and Latine innovators; and Ageless Innovators, an intergenerational co-mentoring program. The organization’s expanded programming also includes the Illinois Student Invention Convention to teach innovation to K-8th grade students, the Climate Change Initiative to support innovators who are combating climate change, and Chicago Innovation Fellows, a leadership development program for innovators at mid to large organizations. For more information, visit www.chicagoinnovation.com.
About The Executives’ Club of Chicago:
The Executives’ Club of Chicago is the city’s premier resource for connecting, developing, and growing best-in-class leaders to strengthen themselves and their organizations. The Executives’ Club of Chicago is where the relationships that build a better Chicago begin. This is where the future meets. For more information about the nexus of Chicago business, visit www.executivesclub.org
What is this partnership about?
This partnership is a strategic collaboration between the Executives’ Club of Chicago and Chicago Innovation to unite leaders with the innovation ecosystem. The goal: connect executives and innovators to fuel growth, spark ideas, and shape the future of Chicago.
Why now?
Both organizations are evolving and looking to expand impact. By linking leadership with innovation, we can better position our work and Chicago as a model for the future.
What does this mean for members of the Executives’ Club?
Members will see new opportunities for mentoring, programming, and engagement with entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders beyond our traditional network.
What does this mean for members of Chicago Innovation?
They’ll gain access to senior executives, leadership development opportunities, and new ways to plug into the broader business community.
Will there be joint events?
Absolutely! Expect co-branded programs, offerings, and curated experiences that bring both communities together. Details will be shared as opportunities are finalized.
How is this different from what we already do?
The Club already convenes senior leaders; Chicago Innovation celebrates and connects innovators across the business community. Together, we’re creating a pipeline that spans the full spectrum — from startup ideas to boardroom leadership.
Does this affect membership or dues?
There won’t be any changes to existing membership structures for either organization. Each group retains its own membership base, and members will see added value through collaborative programs and offerings.
What’s the timeline for activation?
The partnership launches immediately, with the first programs and offerings rolling out in the fall of 2025 and into 2026 and beyond.
What’s the bigger picture?
This isn’t just an event series — it’s about positioning Chicago as a global hub where leadership and innovation fuel one another. It empowers both organizations to expand our respective and collective reach, increase relevance, and enhance impact.