The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), the Midwest's leading business and economic development organization, today named Erica Kuhlmann as President and Chief Executive Officer.
CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), the Midwest's leading business and economic development organization, today named Erica Kuhlmann as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Erica Kuhlmann succeeds Emilia DiMenco, who held the role since 2013, and assumed leadership from co-founders Hedy Ratner and S. Carol Dougal. Kuhlmann will assume her new role on April 7, 2025, and DiMenco will continue with the WBDC through June 30, 2025, to assist with the transition.
"Erica Kuhlmann is a distinguished leader who is passionate about providing the insight, advocacy, and resources businesses need to thrive," DiMenco said. "She is the right choice to continue to lead one of the most influential organizations working to support business owners across the Midwest."
Having spent her entire career at BMO, Kuhlmann has led highly engaged teams that drove strategic execution and financial performance, while being very active in the community. Her experience in forging relationships across business, government and non-profit organizations makes her an exceptional choice to lead the WBDC.
"I am honored to be chosen to continue the legacy Emilia, Hedy, and Carol have created and to lead the WBDC into its next chapter of helping entrepreneurs as they create lasting impact within their communities and drive a thriving economy," Kuhlmann said. "I look forward to spending time with the WBDC's clients and other stakeholders across the Midwest to understand their priorities and to ensure we continue to deliver the support they need to thrive."
The WBDC was founded by Ratner and Dougal in 1986 to provide focused resources to women-owned businesses. Over the last decade under DiMenco's leadership, the WBDC has expanded its scope and reach to nine offices across the Midwest and serves more than 8,000 clients annually.
"On behalf of our entire Board, we are thrilled to have Erica Kuhlmann as our next executive leader," said Sandra Rand, Chairperson of the Board. "This is a critical time for entrepreneurs and Erica's experience in advising companies of all sizes through their growth and transformation will be invaluable as we chart the WBDC's future strategy."
ABOUT THE WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) nationally recognized leader in the field of business and economic development. The organization was founded in 1986 to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in and impact on the economy. Learn more at www.wbdc.org.
Media Contact
Women's Business Development Center, Women's Business Development Center, 1 312.853.3477, [email protected], wbdc.org
SOURCE Women's Business Development Center
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