MCC Press Release: Manhattan Chamber of Commerce selects Jessica Walker as its next President

MCC Press Release

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce selects Jessica Walker as its next President

Media Enquiries: ken@manhattancc.org or 212-541-6050

New York, NY, February 2, 2016. The Board of Directors of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has selected Jessica Walker to serve as its next President effective February 22, 2016.

Ms. Walker comes to the MCC from the Partnership for New York City where she currently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs. She will be taking the role from Nancy Ploeger who stepped down after 21 years as President of the MCC.

“Jessica is the perfect person to pick up on the great work that Nancy has done for the MCC. She brings a wealth of experience in government affairs and business advocacy, which will enable her to hit the ground running,” stated Ken Biberaj, Chairman of the Board of the MCC.  “We had an overwhelming response to our search with a wealth of capable candidates applying, but Jessica stood out to the committee as someone who could immediately step up to the job. She is a well-regarded public policy expert and someone who understands the challenges that face the entire business community in New York City. We look forward to the vision, advocacy and strategic planning she will bring to the MCC.”
“When I talked with Ken about leaving MCC, I suggested that Jessica would be a great candidate and I couldn’t be more excited that she is going to take over the leadership of our active and dynamic chamber,” notes outgoing president, Ploeger.

“I am thrilled to join the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and eager to lead such a dynamic organization. It is an honor to follow in Nancy’s footsteps and build upon her many accomplishments. I look forward to working with Chamber staff, members, the local community and New York’s appointed and elected officials to ensure that Manhattan remains a great place to start and grow a business,” stated Jessica Walker, MCC President-designee.

The MCC currently has 15,000 members and subscribers and is a key voice in the city for the small and mid-size businesses in Manhattan.  Advocating for positive legislation at all levels of government is a major focus of the Chamber.  “Jessica’s experience and strength in government relations will help MCC continue to stand up for our community,” quotes Ronald Paltrowitz, Vice Chairman, General Counsel, and registered lobbyist for the Chamber.

Ms. Walker’s Professional Career:

Partnership for New York City - Vice President, Government Affairs (June 2012 - Present) Director, Legislative Affairs (June 2010 - June 2012)

New York Citizens’ Committee on Aging - Vice President, Board of Directors (October 2006 - December 2010)

New York Academy of Medicine - Policy Associate & Rudin Scholar in Urban Health (October 2007 - January 2009)

United Neighborhood Houses of New York - Senior Policy Analyst (August 2005 - October 2007) Policy Analyst (June 2002 - August 2005)
Multicultural Marketing Resources Public Relations Account Executive (June 2001-June 2001)