Whitley to head Supply Chain group

Doug Whitley of Batavia, who retired in June as CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, is the new executive director of the Supply Chain Innovation Network of Chicago, the group said Monday.

Whitley will be responsible for managing the strategic growth of this new organization, including member outreach and programs. Whitley has a rich history in the Illinois business community and brings more than 40 years of experience in public policy initiatives from both the public and private sector. In this newly created role, Whitley will lead all aspects of SINC's agenda and initiatives.

"The SINC appointment is a perfect opportunity for me to continue serving as a passionate champion of Illinois' transportation needs," Whitley said in a statement. "Transportation is the foundation upon which Illinois' economy has been built and I'm committed to improving upon Chicagoland's status as the greatest inland port in the world."

SINC is a leadership council developed to improve the movement of goods to stimulate regional economic and business growth. The organization is focused on improving efficiencies and infrastructure, developing people, advancing technology, and attracting capital.

Incubated at World Business Chicago, SINC is a direct result of Chicago's Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs strategy to become more competitive as a transportation and logistics hub. SINC brings together a diverse group of business leaders to build on Chicago's tradition of corporate engagement and focus on growing the region's competitive advantages.

SINC plans on driving forward an agenda which includes supporting rationalized truck permitting systems in the region, workforce development for transportation related employers, piloting off-peak hour delivery program in Chicago's congested areas, and attracting additional capital to entrepreneurs in logistics.

Whitley joins SINC after serving 13 years as president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, where he led the chamber's charge to aggressively promote the interests of Illinois business. Whitley founded and co-chaired the Transportation for Illinois Coalition for the last dozen years.

Before leading the Illinois Chamber, Whitley was president of Ameritech Illinois. He served two years as director of the Illinois Department of Revenue during the administration of Governor Jim Edgar. Whitley's expertise in taxation, government finance and regulation was established while serving as president of the Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois for 14 years.