Class of 2008

Elizabeth Van Holt Farrar

 Elizabeth Van Holt Farrar, Downers Grove, currently works for the US Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director of Corporate Relations which entails working with the business community to provide legislative information, access to elected officials and avenues for advocacy.  Prior to working in the Corporate Relations department, she worked with the US Chamber’s Vote for Business outreach program in the 2006 election and served as the Illinois Field Director. 

In September of 2007, Elizabeth was asked by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the US Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Paul Speranza Jr., to develop an educational program to work with the Chicago Public School System with the goal of increasing graduation rates of inner city students.  After conducting meetings with the various CPS departments, the head of CPS, the Mayor’s office and the State Treasurer’s office, the educational program will begin in August 2008.

 Her political and campaign experience includes working for Congressman Metcalf (R-WA), Koster for Congress, Hastert for Congress, and Roskam for Congress.  She has also worked as a volunteer for three presidential campaigns.

 Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Purdue University in 2001, specializing in Political Science and Public Communication, and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Corporate Communication from DePaul University. 

On a personal note, Elizabeth met her husband Scott while he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base as a Gas Turbine Mechanical Instructor.  They were married on July 7, 2007 in Maui, Hawaii and currently reside in Downers Grove.