Agenda: National Childcare Innovation Summit

Michael Carney

President

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Mike Carney is president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where he oversees initiatives that harness the power of business for the good of America and the world.

At the Foundation, Carney has driven impactful projects such as Path Forward, an award-winning series that delivered critical information to millions during the pandemic, and the National Civics Bee, a fast-growing competition for middle schoolers in communities across the United States. In addition to helping the business community coordinate the global response to COVID-19, he has also expanded the Foundation’s work on pressing issues like quantum computing and the economic effects of geopolitical instability.

Prior to becoming President, Carney led the organization's emerging issues, communications, and civics teams.

Carney's career spans journalism, public affairs, and strategic communications. His experience includes roles as a partner at a global communications firm and head of public affairs for an international organization.

His academic credentials include a bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a master's degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, and a postgraduate diploma in Strategy & Innovation from the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School.

As president, Carney is committed to fostering collaboration between businesses and communities to address complex societal challenges.

Suzanne P. Clark

President and CEO

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Suzanne Clark is President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—the world’s largest business organization, representing employers of every size and sector in Washington, D.C., across the country, and around the globe. Clark has led a multiyear effort to strengthen the Chamber’s well-known influence, advocacy, and impact, while modernizing its work and attracting new members from the fastest growing and most innovative sectors of the U.S. economy. Under her leadership, the Chamber is a champion for bipartisan solutions, building coalitions and driving advocacy on the issues most important to the business community, such as infrastructure, workforce, legal reform, global trade, energy, and tech policy. Clark is a vocal proponent for policies that enable businesses to innovate, invest, and grow and helps lead the fight against government proposals that undermine America’s economic strength and competitiveness.

Clark’s commitment to free enterprise and understanding of the challenges facing America’s businesses stem from her experience creating and running a growing company. Prior to rejoining the Chamber in 2014, she acquired and led the prominent financial information boutique—Potomac Research Group. Before that, Clark was President of the National Journal Group. Earlier in her career, Clark served as the Chamber’s COO, and as Chief of Staff at a major transportation association.

Clark serves on the boards of public companies AGCO and TransUnion as well as The Economic Club of Washington, D.C.

A proud Hoya, Clark earned her B.A. and M.B.A. from Georgetown University.

Aaron Merchen

Executive Director, Early Childhood Education, Policy & Programs

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Aaron Merchen works on the Chamber Foundation's early childhood education portfolio leading efforts to educate policy makers, state and local chambers and early education advocates on business’ role in early education to promote investments in the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Before joining the Chamber Foundation, Merchen worked at the National Association for the Education of Young Children as assistant director of federal policy. There he led the association’s engagement with Congress and efforts to elevate the voices and needs of the early childhood workforce.

Earlier in his career, Merchen was a senior policy associate at RESULTS Educational Fund where he collaborated with a diverse group of organizations to promote an integrated, comprehensive global agenda for children within the U.S. government and researched innovative funding mechanisms for early interventions in low-income nations.

Merchen holds degrees from South Dakota State University and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Summit Agenda