Sam Rauf Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Sam Rauf, WCED’s Senior Economic Development Manager was selected to participate in the eleventh cohort of its premiere business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. 

“I am honored to be selected as a Business Leads Fellow and eager to collaborate with leaders nationwide who are dedicated to strengthening workforce development efforts in their regions,” Sam shared. “As talent remains a top factor in business location decisions, I look forward to exploring innovative strategies that align education with the evolving needs of businesses and communities—insights I am excited to share with our workforce development community.” 

Following a competitive application and selection process, Sam was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the eleventh class of this program. The eight-month program, consisting of both in person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.  

“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.” 

Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 350 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.  

For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.