News Summary
Monika P. Zuluaga has been appointed as the President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, effective September 2, 2025. With over 17 years of leadership experience, Zuluaga aims to foster business growth and community support as she takes the helm from Liz Catucci. Her appointment comes after a thorough selection process, highlighting her strategic vision and dedication to local enterprises amidst evolving economic challenges.
Rhode Island
Monika P. Zuluaga has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, effective September 2, 2025. Zuluaga’s extensive experience, spanning over 17 years in leadership roles at various chambers of commerce, Fortune 500 companies, and private-sector business development, makes her a strong candidate for this position.
As the current Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Membership at the Northern Rhode Island Chamber, Zuluaga has already established a strong foundation within the organization. She has been recognized for her expertise in building robust relationships with chamber members, launching innovative programs, and advocating for legislation that fosters business growth across 13 municipalities in the region.
The selection of Zuluaga followed a thorough search process that attracted strong interest from various qualified candidates. After careful consideration, she was chosen for her proven leadership skills, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to the chamber’s mission. Jen Morrison, Chair of the NRI Chamber Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Zuluaga’s capability to guide the Chamber into a new era of growth.
Liz Catucci, the current President and CEO of the Chamber, has held her position since 2019 and plans to step down to take up a new role as executive director of the Partnership for Rhode Island. Catucci noted that Zuluaga’s blend of strategic insight and dedication to member services would be a significant asset to the organization’s future.
Zulauga’s appointment marks a noteworthy milestone in the history of the chamber in Rhode Island and represents a renewed focus on growth and impactful initiatives for local businesses. She has articulated a vision of providing resources, networking opportunities, and strong advocacy to help local businesses thrive amid the evolving economic landscape.
Background and Significance
The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce has been a vital resource for the local business community, providing support, advocacy, and a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders. The appointment of Zuluaga comes at a time when businesses are navigating the challenges of post-pandemic recovery and seeking new ways to innovate and expand.
Zuluaga’s approach during her tenure as Vice President demonstrated a commitment to fostering relationships among diverse local businesses, which will play a crucial role in her new position. By focusing on partnerships and developing programs that cater to the unique needs of local enterprises, Zuluaga aims to strengthen the chamber’s influence in the community.
The chamber is known for its proactive stance in supporting pro-growth legislation and initiatives that bolster economic development throughout the region. Zuluaga’s vision for the future includes a focus on advocating for policies that help local businesses succeed and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
As the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce looks to the future under Zuluaga’s leadership, it is poised to continue its mission of supporting local businesses and navigating the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the economic climate of Rhode Island.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
