Accelerate Magazine 2024 January

Prior to joining the Alliance, Suzanne enjoyed a 23-year career in government relations for GE. As Regional Manager of Corporate Government Relations, she managed GE’s legislative and public affairs activities in a 12-state region and represented the company on a broad range of issues before state and local governments. Succeeding Suzanne as President & CEO is the Alliance’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy Amanda Payne. Amanda joined the Alliance in 2013 and has a strong background in manufacturing and public policy. She has been actively involved in leading the Alliance’s marketing, membership, sponsorship, manufacturing, talent and lobbying efforts. Amanda is known as a regional leader in advocating for the business community, fostering strong relationships with businesses, and driving business growth. In her 10+ years at the Alliance, Amanda has played a key role in transforming the Alliance’s advocacy work, getting local business leaders engaged in the public policy process and ensuring the voice of business is heard on critical issues. She also led the Alliance through the process of becoming a registered lobbying entity to further grow its platform as a voice for the business community. Amanda currently leads the Manufacturing Alliance of Southeast Wisconsin and oversees the Alliance’s Economic Development Policy Committee, Infrastructure Policy Committee, and Policy Board. Amanda is a Wisconsin native and received her bachelor’s degree from Butler University. She was recognized as a 40 Under 40 award winner by the Milwaukee Business Journal and “People to Know in Manufacturing.” She and her husband live in Waukesha with their three children. • "It has been an absolute privilege to serve as the President & CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together during my time here and am grateful for the support of our members, partners, and the community." - Suzanne Kelley, Waukesha County Business Alliance “I am incredibly honored to serve as the next leader of the Waukesha County Business Alliance. For the last decade, I have been proud to work across nearly every aspect of the Alliance. I believe wholeheartedly in our mission. I am deeply passionate about Waukesha County, a place my family has called home for six generations. Most of all, I am inspired by our members and committed to building upon the Alliance’s 105-year legacy of driving economic growth." - Amanda Payne, Waukesha County Business Alliance “Suzanne has been a driving force in making our region a place for businesses to thrive. It has been an honor to serve beside her on the board of directors. Looking forward, we are excited to welcome Amanda into her new role. Her leadership, 10+ years of chamber experience and commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate to lead the Alliance forward.” - Mark Sobczak, Wisconsin Market Leader, Sikich & Alliance Board Chair “Suzanne stepped into her role with a vision to build the Alliance into the business engine for the County. She helped merge two organizations into a regional leader for businesses throughout southeast Wisconsin. If mom (the late Margaret Farrow, former Lt. Gov. and longtime community leader) were here today, she would agree that Suzanne was the change maker needed to create this organization. I want to thank her for all she has done to truly help Waukesha County lead the way. As Amanda prepares to step into this new role, I am confident she will be the guiding force the Alliance can follow to keep us at the forefront of business growth and advocacy. I look forward to working with her in the years to come.” - Paul Farrow, Waukesha County Executive

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgzMDI=