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Elliot Richardson

Co-Founder & President

Elliot is the Co-Founder and President of the Small Business Advocacy Council, an organization laser-focused on advocating for the small business community. The SBAC is dedicated to enacting legislation and moving policy initiatives that will help small and local businesses thrive. The SBAC also focuses on neighborhood revitalization and fostering economic development in communities throughout Illinois and Chicago. The organization also supports small businesses by providing them with opportunities to connect and collaborate, and by providing them with educational opportunities.

Elliot has also served as the Board Chair for Kids Above All, an organization focused on protecting, healing, and educating children and families so they can build better lives. Elliot remains on the Board of Directors. Elliot also formally served on the board of Youth Conservation Corp., Youth Communications, and the YMCA Alliance Board. Additionally, Elliot formerly served on the Editorial Board of the Chicago Bar Association and on the Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the CBA.

Elliot received his law degree from the University of Dayton and received the University of Dayton School of Law Pro Bono Publico Service Award. Elliot graduated from Bradley University with a degree in sociology and criminal justice, with a minor in history.

Media Appearances

Elliot has participated in stories or interviews for Bloomberg, Crain’s Chicago, WBEZ, Fox Chicago, ABC7, Block Club Chicago, WTTW, the Chicago Tribune, FOX Business, WGN radio, WVON, WLS, WCPT and much more. Elliot writes a monthly column for the Daily Herald.

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Scott Baskin Bio

Scott Baskin

Retired President & CEO of Mark Shale
Chief Executive Officer
Scott Baskin retired as President and CEO of Mark Shale in 2011. Mark Shale was Chicago’s largest independent clothing retailer with stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Prior to his business career, Scott served as Chief Legislative Assistant to the late Congressman Abner Mikva.
In addition to his professional experience, Scott is an engaged community leader. He is a board member of Uptown United, an economic development organization serving Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. He was an elected member of the Northside College Prep High School Local Council and chair of its finance committee, and past treasurer of the Center for Law and Social Work. He is a graduate of Vassar College and Northwestern University School of Law.
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Omari Prince

Government Affairs Liaison
Omari has ten years of experience in governmental relations. Prior to joining the Small Business Advocacy Council, Omari has served in government relations roles for companies where he built positive public relations, and developed and established effective working relations with clients and governmental officials. He has also worked on the teams of several political candidates, including Commissioner Larry R. Rogers Jr. and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. During Omari’s spare time, he likes to work out, keep up with the latest Internet marketing trends, and advise candidates potentially seeking political office.
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Aidan Boleyn-Fitzgerald

Policy and Engagement Coordinator

Aidan Boleyn-Fitzgerald serves as the Policy and Engagement Coordinator for the Small Business Advocacy Council. Aidan formerly served as a Policy Research Intern at the SBAC from June to December 2024 and is rejoining after graduating from Northwestern University.

Aidan began working in government affairs as an intern at McGuireWoods Consulting from September to December 2023. He interned with the Smart Surfaces Coalition from January to May 2025, where he supported efforts to promote sustainable urban infrastructure, including reflective, porous, and green surfaces in American cities.

With academic training in urban politics, negotiation and conflict resolution, policy evaluation, statistical research, machine learning, and data visualization, Aidan brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his role at the SBAC. He is excited to leverage this experience to support the SBAC’s legislative initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Rahshona Saydazamova

Communication Coordinator
Rahshona Saydazamova is the Communications Coordinator at the Small Business Advocacy Council, where she oversees social media strategy, digital campaigns, and storytelling that highlights SBAC’s legislative work and elevates the voices of Illinois’ small business community. A former Policy Research Intern with the Council SBAC, she brings a strong foundation in nonprofit communications, policy research, and equity-focused advocacy.
Rahshona is a double major in Political Science and Philosophy on the pre-law track as a senior at Loyola University Chicago. She also works as a Communications and Events Assistant for the University Libraries, where she helps lead GivingTuesday campaigns, shapes content strategy, and manages digital outreach that connects the campus with community partners. She sits on Loyola’s Student Advisory Council to the Vice President for Student Development, advising on institutional policy discussions to enhance student experience and access. Her broader advocacy experience includes providing education support for refugees at Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA), grassroots organizing for Michigan campaigns, conducting policy research in Uzbekistan, and volunteering with displaced Uzbek women and children. She brings a global, multilingual perspective and a strong commitment to community-driven change.

Margarite Richardson

Coalitions Coordinator

Margarite serves as the Coalitions Coordinator at the SBAC, where they work to build partnerships, mobilize stakeholders, and advance advocacy efforts that benefit small businesses. Margarite previously interned at the Southeast Chicago Commission, supporting community development projects and engaging with local businesses and policymakers. Currently a rising junior at Beloit College, Margarite is passionate about equitable economic development and is committed to furthering the SBAC’s mission of creating meaningful change for small businesses in the community.

Sherri Richardson

Operations Manager

Join The SBAC Today

Joining the SBAC will allow you to get engaged immediately in our organization through the following offerings:

Advocacy efforts
Policy committees and subcommittees
Informational webinars and town halls
Networking events
And many more!

Help us improve the small business environment in your community! We look forward to working with you!
Contribute Today

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