Jaemie L. Neely is responsible for economic development by increasing vendor diversity spending across small to large corporations, private institutions, local and governmental agencies. This involves keeping current with industry regulations, legislative advocacy, community outreach, and other technical assistance services.

Jaemie spent a 15-year career in small business and nonprofit banking before pivoting into advocacy and business diversity. She was the Director of the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), where she helped hundreds of small businesses navigate government contracting. Jaemie then managed CTA’s Small Business Development and Outreach team, increasing their DBE participation and programming.

Currently, the Executive Director of The Federation of Women Contractors (FWC). The FWC is the most recognized organization among women-owned businesses in the construction and design industries. Since 1989, it has been committed to the advancement of entrepreneurial women whose members include contractors, professional services firms, and suppliers. In this capacity, Jaemie pushes and challenges legislation that supports the organization’s overall mission and objectives and creates more economic opportunities for its members. She partners with owners, developers, general contractors, and other advocacy groups to ensure a robust pipeline of small and diverse firms to meet and exceed diverse send goals. She continues to create an equitable path for women and minority-owned businesses.

Jaemie L. Neely was appointed to chair the Illinois Policy Procurement Board in 2022 and named the first woman to hold this position.

Jaemie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL, and recently obtained her Master in Public Administration, Public Management from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.