Elizabeth Catucci '26
executive director
partnership for rhode island
Award Profile
Courageous Thinking and Action
Elizabeth Catucci consistently championed initiatives that strengthen businesses, empower communities, and drive statewide economic growth.
Having assumed the role of President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Liz was immediately faced with the challenge of supporting hundreds of businesses navigating unprecedented economic disruption. Under her leadership, the Chamber became a critical lifeline for the regional business community. She worked closely with state and federal officials to ensure local businesses had access to emergency funding, relief programs, and regulatory guidance. Through frequent communications, resource coordination, and direct advocacy, she helped businesses understand complex programs such as federal relief funding and state recovery initiatives. Her leadership helped many companies remain operational, preserve jobs, and stabilize the regional economy during a time of immense uncertainty.
In her current role as Executive Director of the Partnership for Rhode Island, Liz continues to demonstrate forward-thinking leadership on a statewide scale. The Partnership convenes CEOs from Rhode Island’s leading employers to collaborate on initiatives that enhance economic competitiveness, workforce development, and long-term growth. Liz plays a critical role in aligning private-sector leadership with public policy priorities, helping to advance initiatives that attract investment, strengthen infrastructure, and prepare Rhode Island’s workforce for the future. Her ability to build partnerships across sectors and bring diverse stakeholders together has made her an influential leader in shaping Rhode Island’s economic strategy.
Vision & Innovation
Liz was a transformative force in modernizing and elevating the role of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. She strengthened the organization’s strategic focus on advocacy, community engagement, and economic development. Under her leadership, the Chamber expanded its influence as a trusted voice for businesses in Northern Rhode Island while fostering deeper collaboration with municipal leaders, legislators, and regional partners. She also prioritized initiatives that supported entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, including creating the Chamber’s Women’s Business Council and expanding programming that promoted small business growth and local commerce. Through these efforts, Liz helped ensure that the Chamber was not only a networking organization, but also a strategic catalyst for regional prosperity.
Inspiring Leadership
Liz leads with authenticity, empathy, and a deep belief in people. Whether working with board members, small business owners, or her internal team, she made individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, she was a steady and reassuring presence—personally checking in with struggling business owners, convening stakeholders to problem-solve in real time, and ensuring that no one felt like they were navigating challenges alone.
She fostered a culture of collaboration and trust within the Chamber, empowering her team to take initiative and grow as leaders. Liz mentored emerging professionals through initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Council, while also creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect and thrive through the Women’s Business Council. She regularly brought diverse voices to the table, encouraging participation from individuals who had not traditionally been engaged in Chamber leadership.
Colleagues and community members consistently describe Liz as someone who not only set a high standard, but actively supported others in reaching it—offering guidance, opening doors, and celebrating their successes along the way.
Community Mindedness
At the heart of Liz’s leadership is an unwavering commitment to community. Liz has served on numerous non-profit Boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Stadium Theater Foundation, Commerce RI, State Business Executives, Rhode Island Commodores and the United Way Community Advisory Board. She understands that a strong business environment depends on strong, connected communities. Liz consistently prioritized initiatives that supported local businesses, strengthened civic partnerships, and amplified the voices of those often left out of economic conversations. Her work reflects a genuine belief that when the community thrives, everyone benefits—and she leads every effort with that principle in mind.
Liz’s leadership is defined by her collaborative approach, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to supporting businesses and communities. Whether guiding organizations through crisis, strengthening regional economic institutions, or advancing statewide initiatives, she has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an impactful and dedicated leader. Her work continues to create meaningful opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities across Rhode Island.
JA Mission Moment
“This year I had an unforgettable morning with Junior Achievement of Rhode Island at the Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy Middle School in Cranston. I was invited to be a Career Speaker for the 8th grade students, and I was asked to share my experience as a woman navigating my academic, social and professional journey. The students were not only prepared for my talk but very engaged. After my presentation, I had the opportunity to have a small group discussion with some of the female students. I was so impressed by their questions about how they could be more consistent and how to be better organized. They were all smart, confident and well spoken. I left that day not only feeling hopeful for our future but also very grateful for JA’s commitment to bring local leaders and kids together in real-world ways that will ensure their success.”