As the Director of Research, Liz Jellema supports World Business Chicago’s mission through comprehensive research and analysis highlighting the region's economic strengths, business-friendly environment, and quality of life.
Prior to joining World Business Chicago, Jellema was an Associate at ERA|AECOM, where she conducted market research, feasibility studies, economic impact analyses, and related assessments for residential, commercial, and cultural sectors. Her previous experience also includes working for the University of Michigan EDA Center for Economic Diversification, Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Cape Town Partnership in Cape Town, South Africa.
Jellema has a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree in business administration in real estate and urban land economics with an international business specialization from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has completed additional coursework in real estate at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Jellema is the former President and Membership Chair of Chicago Women in Planning + Development.
