CFNEI CEO to participate in Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Economic Outlook Symposium

CEDAR FALLS – Kaye Englin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, will serve as a panelist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's 39th Annual Economic Outlook Symposium on Friday, Dec. 12.

The symposium, which runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., brings together industry leaders and economic experts to examine the forces shaping the U.S. economy heading into 2026. Englin will participate in a panel discussion titled "Chicago Fed Contact Experiences in 2025," moderated by Steve Edwards, executive vice president for external affairs and civic engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The panel will reflect on the past year, highlighting challenges, changes, and surprises affecting economic conditions across various sectors. Joining Englin on the panel are Randall Eppli, president and CEO of Columbus Chemical Industries; Rachel Stewart, chief executive officer of Gardner-White Furniture; and Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist at Northern Trust.

Englin will share insights on how charitable giving and the nonprofit sector were impacted throughout 2025, including the effects of tax law changes on charitable incentives. Her perspective will address how community foundations and philanthropic organizations work to support nonprofits during periods of uncertainty and change, particularly when federal and state contracting becomes unstable or unavailable.

"Community foundations play a critical role in stabilizing and supporting the nonprofit ecosystem, especially during times of economic volatility," said Englin. "I'm honored to share our sector's perspective at this important symposium and to contribute to the broader conversation about economic resilience in our communities."

The hybrid event will also feature a fireside chat with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and CNBC Senior Economics Reporter Steve Liesman, as well as sector-specific outlooks for the automotive industry and consumer trends. Thomas Walstrum, principal business economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will present the consensus forecast for 2026.

To register to attend the event virtually, and to find a full agenda, visit: https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2025/economic-outlook-symposium