Desiree Chen, Senior Director of Communications and External Relations at Elmhurst University, received the 2022 Chairman’s Award at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 104th Annual Awards Gala in the Presidential Room at Elm West Banquets on March 10.
Traditionally, the annual award is given to a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for his/her outstanding service to the Board, Chairman and President/CEO or to a non-Director for praiseworthy contributions or performance.
As Past Chair of ECCI’s Board of Directors in 2022, Chen played an instrumental role in staging our Chamber’s 103rd Annual Awards Gala in the Frick Center cafeteria at Elmhurst University in March of last year, during EU’s Sesquicentennial year (150th Anniversary).
Chen, who received her ceremonial Past Chair gavel at the 103rd Award Gala, was recognized by 2022 ECCI Board Chair Eva Sanchez of See Your House Right Here @properties Elmhurst.
A Chamber Director for a record 12 years, Chen served four years on the Executive Committee, including Board Chair in 2021.
Chen also has been actively involved in the start of ECCI’s second century in business, following 2018’s Centennial Celebration year.
As the First Vice Chair in 2020 and Second Vice Chair in 2019, Chen chaired the Marketing Committee—a Committee on which she served for many years. She has served on the Membership Committee for two years.
Appointed to the Board in 2012 to fill a vacancy, Chen was elected as to her first three-year term as a Director in 2015 and re-elected for second term in 2018. Due to Coronavirus, her term was extended for two years to 2023.
Chen joined then-Elmhurst College in 2009 as Managing Director of Public Affairs and has served in her current position since 2016.
Founded in 1871, the College officially changed its name to Elmhurst University on July 1, 2020—with Chen responsible for many aspects of the institution’s rebranding.
Prior to Elmhurst University, Chen honed her communication skills during an 18-year career as a reporter and editor at the Chicago Tribune (1991-2009).
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community.
The Elmhurst Chamber’s mission is to promote an environment that creates success for local businesses and our community.
The Chamber also serves the needs of its members through services, programs and events that provide opportunities for networking and referral, business education, development and promotion, governmental representation and community involvement.