Drake University graduate Susan K. Neely, GR’89, president and CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA), has been named chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100.
“The U.S. Chamber is the pre-eminent advocate for free enterprise in this country,” Neely says. “I am honored to work with my colleagues from other national trade associations to share ideas and advance policies that will help America prosper.”
“Susan has excelled in everything she’s done—as a public servant, a community leader and philanthropist, and association executive,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “We look forward to Susan’s contribution to the success of this group and its efforts on behalf of the business community.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100 has been in existence for more than 50 years, with members representing associations from across the country working on behalf of a wide array of industries. The committee actively engages to represent association members before the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, enhance Chamber lobbying and coalition work, recommend programming, and strengthen outreach to the business and association community.
Neely has served as ABA president and CEO since 2005. Her professional background encompasses government service at the federal and state level, and significant health care policy and advocacy experience. A native of Iowa, Neely received her master’s degree in public administration from Drake University. She currently serves as a director on the boards of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation, the American Society of Association Executives, the National Presbyterian School, and the International Women’s Forum. In 2011, she received the Global Citizen of the Year Award from the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University.
Neely has also been recognized by Drake; in 2003, she received the Alumni Achievement Award from the Drake University National Alumni Association Board of Directors.