Kaitlyn McDermott

Kaitlyn McDermott serves as the Vice President of Events & Partner Engagement for the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC), where she leads the organization’s high profile convenings, stakeholder engagement strategy, and board relations. In this role, Kaitlyn oversees statewide and national events, investment summits, industry forums, international trade missions, and executive level engagements that advance Illinois’ economic growth.

She drives strategic coordination with the Board of Directors, Committees, and Councils, ensuring strong governance practices, meaningful participation, and alignment between leadership priorities and organizational strategy. Kaitlyn also manages key relationships with sponsors, corporate partners, civic institutions, and investors, ensuring commitments are fulfilled and partnerships deliver measurable impact.

Prior to this role, Kaitlyn served as Vice President of Operations and Administration at Illinois EDC, where she managed organizational operations, human resources, and executive initiatives. Kaitlyn joined Illinois EDC (formerly known as Intersect Illinois) as Chief of Staff in 2016. She previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where she began her career in economic development and communications.

Kaitlyn brings more than a decade of experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with expertise in strategic planning, event management, external relations, operational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois at Springfield and resides in Berwyn with her family.