Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues

Fredericksburg, VA – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Carley Swaim Walker, Vice President of Programs and Events of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the ninth cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

Walker stated, “I am honored and excited to be selected for the prestigious Business Leads Fellowship Program through the US Chamber. This opportunity is perfectly timed with the rapid growth of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s nonprofit foundation, Workforce NOW. As I embark on this journey, I look forward to exchanging best practices, learning new strategies, and engaging in purposeful dialogue with fellow professionals. Together, we will amplify the impact of workforce development and education not only in our region but on a national level, creating positive change and driving progress for our communities.”

“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Cheryl Oldham, Senior Vice President of the Center for Education and Workforce. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”

Following a competitive application and selection process, Carley Swaim Walker was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the ninth class of this program. The eight-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 300 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.

For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website

###