Jessica Walker

President and CEO at Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Jessica Walker has a diverse work experience spanning over multiple organizations. Jessica began their career as a Public Relations Account Executive at Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. in 2001. Following this, they worked at United Neighborhood Houses as a Policy Analyst and later as a Senior Policy Analyst, focusing on issues pertaining to older adults and their social service needs. Here, they also oversaw the launch of a multi-year pilot project and authored an influential report on New York seniors aging alone.

In 2007, Jessica joined The New York Academy of Medicine as a Policy Associate & Rudin Scholar in Urban Health. Jessica played a pivotal role in launching Age-friendly New York City, an initiative aimed at improving the lives of elderly residents. Through their research and conversations with over 1,500 elderly New Yorkers, the initiative resulted in 59 policy improvements implemented by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In 2010, Jessica moved on to Partnership for New York City, where they held the position of Director of Legislative Affairs and later Vice President of Government Affairs. Here, they monitored and responded to legislative proposals at both city and state levels, emphasizing economic growth, job creation, and issues such as public education and infrastructure. As Vice President, they served as a liaison between elected officials and business leaders, providing policy analysis, strategic advice, and writing support for the organization's CEO.

Jessica'smost recent position, starting in 2016, is with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, where they serve as President and CEO. Jessica has led this nonprofit organization, which champions the well-being of over 120,000 businesses in Manhattan, New York's economic center. Under their leadership, the organizational budget has increased by an impressive 350%.

Jessica Walker attended Princeton University from 1997 to 2001, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree. Jessica'sfield of study was English with a Certificate in African-American Studies.

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Timeline

  • President and CEO

    February, 2016 - present