Peoria Takes a Strategic Step Forward in Talent & Leadership Development
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce’s Managing Director for Talent and Leadership Strategy, Madeline Herrman, has been selected for the 2025–26 Fellowship for Talent Development program offered by the ACCE Foundation. This fellowship is a significant opportunity not only for Madeline personally and our Chamber, but for our entire region as we strengthen efforts to build a resilient, future-ready talent pipeline.
Madeline is currently in Washington, D.C., attending the Fellowship convening and engaging with peers from chambers across the country. She will return with strategic insights, practical data tools, and new connections that will directly benefit the Peoria area and our Chamber members.
"It's an honor to be selected for this Fellowship," Madeline said. "I’m eager to use what I learn to create dynamic strategies for our region so that Peoria can attract, nurture, and retain the talent our employers need to help them thrive."
As part of the Fellowship, Madeline will develop a regional action plan around a specific talent development challenge with hands-on support from ACCE. She will create measurable actions and tools that local employers and partners can put to work.
From my perspective, this selection underscores the importance of aligning talent strategy with economic development. Here in the Peoria area, we are at a moment where employers are seeking proven, purpose-driven workforce solutions. This reinforces that collaboration across business, education, and community partners is pivotal to our shared success.
Madeline’s Fellowship experience directly aligns with our strategic plan. We will:
- Expand our understanding of our region’s talent ecosystem and identify where gaps and opportunities exist.
- Develop a roadmap that responds to the workforce and leadership needs of our community’s employers.
- Establish measurable outcomes to track how these efforts are making a tangible difference for businesses and residents alike.
For our Chamber members, this work means more targeted resources and data to support your goals, new opportunities to engage in talent development initiatives, and stronger connections between you and emerging talent. As strategies take shape, members will have access to programs and insights designed to help you grow.
In my view, the timing could not be better. As Madeline connects with national thought leaders and brings back innovative models, our region will accelerate its momentum toward a stronger, more connected talent pipeline.
"Our region has so much potential," I told Madeline. "Your selection for this Fellowship is a win for Peoria and for our Chamber members. I’m confident your leadership will help translate new ideas into lasting local impact."
Finally, thank you to our business community, education partners, talent stakeholders, and civic leaders for their continued collaboration. Our Chamber’s participation in this Fellowship reinforces our shared commitment to the future of work in the Peoria area. Stay tuned as we roll out the action plan and engage in opportunities that will advance our region together.