GRCC Names Meredith MacKay as New Director of Membership

Rockford, IL (August 11, 2026) - The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) has named Meredith MacKay as its new Director of Membership, effective Monday, August 10, 2026.

This strategic hire strengthens GRCC's ability to grow and engage its membership base, deepen relationships with the business community, and align membership strategy with the organization's broader advocacy, talent, and growth initiatives.

MacKay brings more than 15 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, and community engagement across the healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as Director of Advancement at Discovery Center Museum, where she led fundraising, marketing, communications, and membership strategy for the high-traffic children's museum, developing comprehensive plans to grow both earned and unearned revenue.

She previously served as Foundation Director at Crusader Community Health Foundation, directing major gifts, annual fund, and planned giving operations in support of expanded healthcare access, after beginning her tenure there as the organization's Planned Giving Specialist. Earlier in her career, she held development leadership roles at Wesley Willows, Rockford University — where she launched the institution's first-ever Day of Giving — Rockford Public Schools, United Way of Rock River Valley, and Rock Valley College.

MacKay's background spans donor relations, campaign strategy, planned giving, and community membership base.

"We are thrilled to welcome Meredith to the GRCC team," said Caitlin Pusateri, Chief Operating Officer. "Her track record of building lasting relationships and driving engagement across the nonprofit and business community makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our membership strategy at this pivotal time for the Rockford Region."

"I've spent my career finding the intersection of passion and mission, and forging relationships that accomplish exceptional things," said MacKay. "The Rockford Region's business community has so much momentum right now, and I'm excited to help our members connect, grow, and thrive together."

MacKay holds a Master of Arts from Ashford University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is active in the region's professional community, currently serving as Professional Development Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Rockford Chapter and previously serving as President of the Northern Illinois Planned Giving Council. She resides in Rockford, IL.