ICNC Announces Maria Moran as New CEO
ICNC's new CEO, Maria Moran.
CHICAGO, IL – The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Moran as its new Chief Executive Officer. Moran joins ICNC following her tenure at the Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) and brings more than two decades of experience in the manufacturing sector, workforce development, and strategic business growth.
Moran has a long-standing career dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes through legislative advocacy, operational excellence, and sustainable growth strategies. Her work at IMA and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center focused on helping companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes, optimize operations, and develop high-performing teams. Prior to that, she worked in the private sector, leading financial and operational improvements while enhancing lead generation and stakeholder engagement strategies. Her relationship-driven leadership and strategic vision position ICNC for continued success in supporting Chicago’s small business community.
“As a long-time supporter of ICNC and an advocate for Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, I am thrilled to take on this role,” said Moran. “ICNC’s incubators—Make City and The Hatchery—are critical drivers of innovation and job creation in our community. I look forward to working alongside our team to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs, strengthen partnerships, and drive economic growth on Chicago’s West Side.”
ICNC is one of the nation’s largest, most established business incubators, fostering economic development and job creation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through its Make City incubator, ICNC provides industrial and manufacturing startups with affordable space, technical assistance, and access to resources to scale their operations. The Hatchery, a food and beverage incubator co-developed with Allies for Community Business (A4CB), offers emerging food businesses shared kitchen facilities, business support, and training programs to help them thrive in the competitive culinary industry.
The Board of Directors and the entire ICNC team extend their gratitude for the community’s ongoing support as they move forward under Moran’s leadership.
ABOUT THE INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL OF NEARWEST CHICAGO
The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) is one of the nation’s oldest incubators, located in Chicago's Kinzie Industrial Corridor. The organization hosts Make City, a modern manufacturing incubator, and The Hatchery Chicago®, a food and beverage incubator, on Chicago’s West Side, supporting small businesses across a variety of industries. Their mission facilitates economic and community development by strengthening individuals, organizations, and companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor.
Moran has a long-standing career dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes through legislative advocacy, operational excellence, and sustainable growth strategies. Her work at IMA and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center focused on helping companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes, optimize operations, and develop high-performing teams. Prior to that, she worked in the private sector, leading financial and operational improvements while enhancing lead generation and stakeholder engagement strategies. Her relationship-driven leadership and strategic vision position ICNC for continued success in supporting Chicago’s small business community.
“As a long-time supporter of ICNC and an advocate for Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, I am thrilled to take on this role,” said Moran. “ICNC’s incubators—Make City and The Hatchery—are critical drivers of innovation and job creation in our community. I look forward to working alongside our team to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs, strengthen partnerships, and drive economic growth on Chicago’s West Side.”
ICNC is one of the nation’s largest, most established business incubators, fostering economic development and job creation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through its Make City incubator, ICNC provides industrial and manufacturing startups with affordable space, technical assistance, and access to resources to scale their operations. The Hatchery, a food and beverage incubator co-developed with Allies for Community Business (A4CB), offers emerging food businesses shared kitchen facilities, business support, and training programs to help them thrive in the competitive culinary industry.
The Board of Directors and the entire ICNC team extend their gratitude for the community’s ongoing support as they move forward under Moran’s leadership.
ABOUT THE INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL OF NEARWEST CHICAGO
The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) is one of the nation’s oldest incubators, located in Chicago's Kinzie Industrial Corridor. The organization hosts Make City, a modern manufacturing incubator, and The Hatchery Chicago®, a food and beverage incubator, on Chicago’s West Side, supporting small businesses across a variety of industries. Their mission facilitates economic and community development by strengthening individuals, organizations, and companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor.