West Central Association Names Carla Agostinelli as New Director of Development and Community Partnerships
Chicago community development veteran to spearhead WCA’s strategic business development efforts in its 13-neighborhood service area, which includes the West Loop/Fulton Market District and Illinois Medical District
The West Central Association – Chamber of Commerce (WCA), which represents over 400 member businesses, institutions and organizations across 13 neighborhoods west of downtown Chicago, has named Carla M. Agostinelli as its new director of development and community partnerships. Agostinelli brings more than 22 years of experience in supporting businesses and building communities through her work in commercial banking, economic development, administrative management and community organizing.
In the newly refined role, Agostinelli will lead all fundraising efforts, event planning, sponsorships, and marketing and communications strategies to support the WCA’s short- and long-term growth and facilitate partnerships among businesses, residents and government stakeholders. Longtime WCA staff member Rod Burch will lead the organization alongside Agostinelli as director of operations.
Agostinelli most recently served as executive director of the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO), a position she held for 7 years, where she served as advisor on the City of Chicago Recovery Task Force, oversaw management of the Fulton Market streetscape initiative, was curator of Taste of Randolph and the Fulton Market Expo, and led over 200 community meetings.
She has served on the boards of numerous organizations whose missions focus on the empowerment and advancement of women and underrepresented persons, including the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) and Chicago Foundation for Women. She is currently co-director of the board of directors for the Frankie Knuckles Foundation.
“Carla has a proven track record as a community development leader in Chicago neighborhoods and in-depth knowledge of the areas served by the WCA, particularly the fast-growing West Loop and Fulton Market District,” said WCA President Armando Chacon. “We are excited about the background and skillset she brings to the role, including her ability to cultivate critical relationships as we look to offer additional resources to our member businesses and create economic growth opportunities across our entire service area and even further west and south.”
As a delegate agency for the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, the WCA also helps businesses understand and access the training and funding resources available to them through government agencies. Agostinelli will work closely with local and state governments to provide feedback and recommendations on programs and services available to businesses in the WCA service area.
“Leading the WCA provides a tremendous opportunity for me to further support businesses and advance entrepreneurship and economic development, leveraging the continued success of the West Loop and Fulton Market District to support additional growth there and in so many nearby communities,” said Agostinelli. “I look forward to learning more about the emerging needs throughout WCA’s service area and, in working together with Rod, hope to problem solve and create resources to further build the organization’s community investment across the region.”
Agostinelli holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from Columbia College Chicago and holds a certificate in Effective Nonprofit Governance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
About The WCA:
Established in 1918, the West Central Association - Chamber of Commerce (WCA) represents over 400 member businesses, institutions and organizations across 13 geographic areas in the city of Chicago located immediately west of downtown. The WCA is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of its members and the communities they serve by advocating for business and property owners on legislation, taxation, transportation, architectural treatment and model plans for the area.
For more information, visit wcachicago.org.