kouri marshall, i

Co-Founder

Government Affairs and Public Policy Director

Recognized by Campaigns & Elections Magazine as a Political Rising Star

Kouri Marshall is the Director of State and Local Government Relations for the Central Region at the Chamber of Progress. His career is marked by a series of significant roles in public service and political strategy. Prior to his current position, Kouri was the Deputy Director of Agency Personnel and Executive Appointments in the Office of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. His extensive experience includes a notable tenure in Washington, D.C., where he spent nine years before returning to Chicago. There, he played a key role as the District of Columbia’s State Director for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.

Kouri’s contributions extend beyond government service. He has acted as a senior advisor to various national leaders and organizations, further establishing his influence in political and public affairs. His academic achievements are equally impressive; Kouri graduated from Eureka College, President Ronald Reagan’s alma mater, where he made history as the first African American Homecoming King in the college’s 150-year history. His exceptional achievements were recognized when he was named the 2013 Eureka College Outstanding Young Alumni of the Year. Additionally, Kouri was honored with Campaigns & Elections Magazine’s 2016 Rising Star award, a prestigious accolade in the political field.

A committed philanthropist, Kouri co-founded ChiGivesBack, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has raised nearly $3 million for low-income communities in Chicago under his leadership. He served as the organization’s Board Chairman from 2018 to 2023. Kouri is also actively involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s Young Professionals Board of Directors and serves on the Eureka College Board of Trustees. He earned his Masters in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Kouri lives in Chicago with his wife, Dr. Kayla Marshall, and their son, Kouri Marshall II.