DeVry Senior Leader to Serve in Inaugural Chicago Economic Growth Fellows Program

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. --(Business Wire)--

Steve Brown, executive consultant and leadership coach at DeVry, has been accepted to the inaugural class of Fellows to support implementation of Chicago's Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs. The dynamic economic development plan was created to drive the 14-county Chicago metro area's competitiveness in the global economy with clear, actionable strategies for economic growth and job creation.

This month, Brown began a full-time three-month commitment working with World Business Chicago to launch initiatives that target one of 10 transformative strategies detailed in the Plan. Chicago Mayor and World Business Chicago Chairman Rahm Emanuel requested the development of the Plan last year and met with Fellows to hear about their projects Wednesday, Jan. 30.

"I am grateful to our business communty for lending us some of their top talent to help shape Chicago's economic development," Mayor Emanuel said. "This inaugural class brings new resources and knowledge to accelerate the Plan's key economic growth initiatives, which are essential for Chicago to compete in the global economy."

Brown, a cum laude graduate of Princeton University, will bring nearly 40 years of experience in education to help implement the sixth strategy in the Plan: "create demand-driven and targeted workforce development."

"I am excited by the opportunity to help implement Chicago's demand-driven workforce strategy," Brown said. "It's an approach that is guided by a clear understanding of the workforce needs faced by local employers."

Brown's pro bono Fellowship is part of DeVry's ongoing commitment to World Business Chicago. Daniel Hamburger, president and chief executive officer of DeVry, also serves as a board member to the nonprofit economic development organization.

"Steve's leadership at DeVry has always been focused on students achieving their career goals," Hamburger said. "His lengthy experience in career-focused education and meeting employer's workforce needs makes him a natural fit for the inaugural class of Fellows."

In addition to DeVry, other organizations sponsoring pro bono support in the inaugural Fellowship class include: Comcast, Ernst & Young, Deloitte (News - Alert) Consulting LLP, Mesirow Financial, United Airlines, The PrivateBank and Trust Company, and Zurich Insurance.

About DeVry Inc.

DeVry's purpose is to empower its students to achieve their educational and career goals. DeVry (NYSE: DV; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a global provider of educational services and the parent organization of Advanced Academics, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Becker Professional Education, Carrington College, Carrington College California, Chamberlain College of Nursing, DeVry Brasil, DeVry University, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. These institutions offer a wide array of programs in business, healthcare and technology. DeVry's institutions serve students in secondary through postsecondary education and professionals in accounting and finance. For more information, please visit http://www.devryinc.com.