The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Christopher Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Ford Motor Company, will be the keynote speaker at its 121st Annual Meeting of Membership on June 3.
Smith will join business and civic leaders from across the region at this year’s Annual Meeting, where the focus will be on the strength and future of commerce in Chicagoland. As Chief Government Affairs Officer at Ford, Chicago’s largest manufacturer, he is uniquely positioned to discuss the impact of the recent federal tariff announcements and the uncertainty they’ve created for the auto industry and beyond. Smith will share how Ford is responding to these developments, including the implications for electric vehicle production and the company’s broader strategy. He will also address how these economic shifts stand to affect not just the national economy, but Illinois and the Chicagoland region specifically. With Ford’s South Side assembly plant recently celebrating its 100th anniversary, Smith’s remarks will connect the company’s deep local roots with a forward-looking perspective on innovation, manufacturing, and regional economic resilience, echoing the Chamber’s mission to drive progress and opportunity across Chicago’s business community.
“As businesses across Chicago navigate an increasingly uncertain economic landscape, we’re honored to welcome Christopher Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Ford Motor Company, as the featured speaker of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. His perspective on policy and industry will offer invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for all sectors of our economy,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s 121st Annual Meeting of Membership promises to be an unforgettable event, highlighted by Smith’s keynote address. As Chicago’s business community gathers to celebrate its accomplishments, Smith’s insights will undoubtedly inspire and motivate attendees, reinforcing the vital role of collaboration and innovation in driving economic growth and prosperity. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a momentous occasion in Chicago’s business landscape — register today!
About Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith was named Ford’s chief government affairs officer in March 2022. He leads a global team that promotes legislation, regulations and policies with governments around the world to advance the Ford+ plan for growth and value creation. Policy priorities include areas such as connectivity, critical minerals, electric vehicles and digital services, and are intended to benefit customers, society and the environment, among other stakeholders.
Prior to Ford, Smith was senior vice president of Policy, Government and Public Affairs at Cheniere Energy, the world’s second-largest liquefied natural gas operator. In that role, Smith led the incorporation of climate principles into Cheniere’s business model and helped modernize related federal regulations. Smith served in the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama Administration as Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy. Earlier in his career, Smith held managerial and analytical positions at Chevron, Citibank and JPMorgan.
Smith began his career as an officer in the United States Army after earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Cambridge in England and a degree in applied mathematics from American Public University.