Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Who We Are

Our Vision

The Chicago Compensation Association (CCA) is an independent professional association committed to providing leadership in the education and development of compensation professionals in the Chicago metropolitan area.

We advance the body of knowledge in the total compensation field through:

  • Educational seminars and workshops
  • Member forums and roundtable discussions
  • Comprehensive online resources
  • Access to industry publications
  • Networking opportunities
  • Professional development activities

Our mission is fulfilled through the dedicated support and effort of our individual members, their employers, and other related groups in the compensation community.


About CCA

Our History & Affiliation

Founded in 1976, CCA is affiliated with WorldatWork, an alliance of independent compensation, benefits, and human resources organizations representing professionals globally. For over 45 years, we have served as the premier local resource for compensation professionals in the Chicago area.

Our Membership

CCA members represent a broad and diverse cross-section of Chicago area employers:

  • Fortune 500 international public companies
  • Small and mid-sized private employers
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Leading consulting firms in the human resources field

Our membership includes professionals ranging from analysts to vice presidents, primarily in compensation and total rewards roles, while also welcoming many human resource generalists.


Leadership & Governance

CCA is a volunteer-led organization governed by a board of directors that meets monthly to:

  • Plan and develop programming
  • Provide support to various committees
  • Ensure all activities meet the Association's objectives and long-range plans

As a local association, we complement the activities provided by other professional associations while developing specific programs to meet the identified needs of our membership.


Professional Development Opportunities

Educational Programs

Throughout the year, CCA sponsors presentations and seminars featuring:

  • Local and national subject matter experts
  • Industry leaders and innovative thinkers
  • Practical solutions to current compensation challenges
  • Emerging trends in total rewards

Roundtable Discussions

CCA regularly holds informal roundtable sessions to facilitate discussions among compensation professionals. These sessions provide opportunities to:

  • Meet with fellow practitioners
  • Share ideas and solutions to various pay issues
  • Discuss challenges facing organizations
  • Learn from peers' experiences

Certification Support

For selected seminar meetings, continuing education credits are granted by WorldatWork to our members who hold professional certifications such as the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.


Our Commitment

CCA maintains relationships with leading consulting companies and major employers in the Chicago area to provide our members with the most current resources and professional information in our field.

Our meeting locations vary between downtown and suburban venues to accommodate our diverse membership. Meeting topics cover a wide range of issues facing compensation professionals today, including:

  • Variable pay structures
  • Executive compensation
  • Alternative rewards
  • Legislative updates
  • Strategic total rewards design

Join CCA Today →