Honoring the Former Board Chair, Bill Little
Bill Little, a distinguished figure in the world of American business and policy, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For an impressive 27 years, Little served on the boards of both organisations, playing a crucial role in shaping their trajectory and influence. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to leadership and growth.
In 1997, Little played an instrumental part in bringing Tom Donohue on board as CEO of the U.S. Chamber, heralding the start of a revitalization era for the Chamber. His guidance was invaluable during this period, helping to steer the organisation towards a new direction.
From 1998 to 1999, Little served as chair of the U.S. Chamber board, providing wise counsel and strong support that expanded the Chamber’s voice and influence both in Washington and beyond. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the modern-day Chamber.
Little's involvement with the U.S. Chamber Foundation was equally profound. He was deeply involved with the Foundation (formerly National Chamber Foundation) and, in 2012, led the historic consolidation of four legacy affiliate organisations into the unified U.S. Chamber Foundation as it exists today. He served as chair of the Foundation until 2021, guiding its focus and growth.
Beyond his Chamber-related work, Little was a business leader in his own right. He served as president and CEO of the Quam-Nichols Company, a manufacturer of commercial and industrial audio products in Chicago.
The Chamber sends its deepest condolences to Little's family, friends, and loved ones during this time of loss. His contributions to American business and policy will be remembered for years to come.
[1] U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2021). Bill Little, Longtime U.S. Chamber Leader, Passes Away. [Online]. Available: https://www.uschamber.com/press-release/bill-little-longtime-us-chamber-leader-passes-away [4] U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (2021). Bill Little, Longtime U.S. Chamber Foundation Leader, Passes Away. [Online]. Available: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/press-release/bill-little-longtime-us-chamber-foundation-leader-passes-away
Bill Little's significant contributions to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Chamber Foundation spanned over two decades, shaping the trajectory of both organizations within the broader business and finance industry. Beyond his work with these bodies, he was also a successful businessman, serving as the president and CEO of the Quam-Nichols Company.
