Shelly R. Brown is the Senior Director, Business Development Programs for the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, leading efforts to accelerate the growth of Chicago-based businesses operating in high-growth sectors. He brings cross-industry experience in financial services, technology, industrial, consumer, and nonprofit sectors, with deep expertise in commercial leadership, supply chain, corporate development, and cross-functional execution.

Prior to joining the Civic Committee, Shelly advised clients on M&A-driven growth strategies, partnerships, investments, and people and culture initiatives. At Aon, Shelly served as a Senior Director transforming inclusive leadership partnerships across global supply chain and go-to-market strategies, supporting the launch of the Enterprise Client Group. He chaired the ESG workstream as a charter member of the Global Inclusive Leadership Council, aligning engagement, value creation and philanthropic partnerships. Earlier, he led supply chain and business development strategies with small and diverse businesses at Johnson Controls, delivering growth, efficiency, and sustainable impact.

Shelly is actively engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership, serving on the Village of Riverwoods’ Advisory Council for the Nominating Committee, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and is a member of the Executive Committee of William Woods University Board of Trustees. A Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he holds an MBA from William Woods University and completed Executive Education at Dartmouth College. Shelly is an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran, decorated for service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.