DECATUR, Ill. – The 鶹Լ-Decatur Executive Association (MDEA), in partnership with , hosted its Fall Panel Event on September 30, 2025, bringing together local executives and community members for a timely discussion on “Talent Acquisition & Development in Today’s Workplace.”
The dynamic panel focused on strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent in an evolving labor market. Panelists highlighted challenges in workforce development, the impact of generational shifts, and innovative approaches businesses can take to attract and support employees in Central Illinois and beyond.
“Talent is one of the greatest assets any organization can invest in,” said Julienne Shields, Director of the 鶹Լ Center for Entrepreneurship. “Our goal with this panel was to provide practical insights for leaders navigating a competitive and rapidly changing hiring environment.”
Looking ahead, the MDEA announced its next executive event on November 18, 2025, featuring the topic “Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity | Explore how quantum technology is reshaping data protection and what it means for your organization.”
The session will include featured speaker Dr. Preeti Chalsani, Business Development Lead for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Dr. Chalsani also serves as the inaugural Chief Quantum Officer for Illinois EDC, where she works with leaders across science, technology, innovation, government, and economic development to advance quantum and microelectronics initiatives.
With over 20 years of experience in industry-academic relations, technology commercialization, intellectual property, research, and education, Dr. Chalsani has played a leading role in building the state’s quantum ecosystem. Most recently, she served as Director of Industry Partnerships for the Chicago Quantum Exchange in a joint role with the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, managing a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies, startups, and research collaborations. She also served as Deputy Director of Duality, the nation’s first startup accelerator dedicated to quantum technologies, which she helped launch in 2021.
Dr. Chalsani holds a B.S. in Applied Physics from Yale University and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University.
About the 鶹Լ-Decatur Executive Association
The 鶹Լ-Decatur Executive Association (MDEA) is a professional membership organization housed at 鶹Լ University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Its mission is to connect executives and entrepreneurs across Central Illinois through networking, education, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen local business and community development.
