Mary Cacioppi

Mary Cacioppi
National Consultant, aha! Process

Founder/CEO, Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois

Mary has over 22 years of combined experience in community development, economic development, and poverty reduction. She is the Founder/CEO of Bridges to Prosperity Northern Illinois which works to reduce poverty and implement a poverty reduction strategy in a five-county area.

Mary is also a National Consultant aha! Process working with communities across the nation to assist them with their poverty reduction goals. In this capacity Mary has authored the book, “Economic Development That Benefits Everyone: Poverty Reduction IS a Key Strategy” as well as a three-hour workshop that aha! Process offers at the national level.

At the national level, Mary serves on the board of Emerge Solutions. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves on its Redefining Equitable Economic Development Advisory Committee. Mary is also a member of the National League of Cities Economic Mobility Peer Network.

Locally, Mary serves on the Workforce Connection Employer & Public Engagement Committee, the Community Action Agency Board and the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee through Region 1 Planning.

Her past experience includes working for and running chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, as well as experience leading economic development for a municipality and working in commercial development. This vast experience equips Mary with a diverse view of how poverty reduction plays a role in community and economic development.

Mary holds a B.A. in business administration from Madison University and graduated with Honors Cum Laude. She is a past recipient of the Rockford Chambers 40 Leaders Under 40 and Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow awards, honoring her professional and volunteer achievements. She was also named one of the regions "25 Most Interesting People" by Northwest Quarterly magazine in 2023.

Professional Certifications:
Bridges Out of Poverty Trainer, Aha! Process
Getting Ahead and Getting Ahead in the Workplace Facilitator, Aha! Process
Business Retention & Expansion, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Business Marketing & Attraction, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Community & Economic Development Professional Core Curriculum Years 1-3,

Community Development Institute (CDI)