Kathy Stoeberl

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Kathy Stoeberl is an accomplished and visionary leader, driving the success of a social enterprise within a non-profit organization. With a strong commitment to social impact and a focus on sustainable growth, she has played a pivotal role in significantly increasing revenue and expanding the organization’s reach. She began working with the Chicago Lighthouse in 2013 and has grown the social enterprise to encompass 15 contact centers contracts and generating employment opportunities for over 550 individuals.

The call centers play a crucial role in generating essential income for The Chicago Lighthouse’s programs and services. As of the fiscal year 2024 projections, they are anticipated to contribute significantly, constituting 64% of The Lighthouse’s overall revenue. Since FY 2017, the call centers alone have generated over $175M in revenue, over $30M in operating income.

The call centers also expand The Chicago Lighthouse’s impact by reaching underserved populations in the greater Chicagoland area. Currently, 22% of call center employees come from our mission population, 80% represent BIPOC communities, and 60% reside in neighborhoods with low median incomes.

In 2023, Stoeberl earned a promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Chicago Lighthouse. As COO, Ms. Stoeberl works at the forefront of the non-profit organization’s social enterprise, overseeing its strategic direction and operational execution. She brings a unique blend of business acumen and social consciousness, leveraging her expertise to create innovative revenue-generating models that align with the organization’s mission to help people who are blind or visually impaired.

Under her guidance, the social enterprise has broadened its offerings, diversified revenue streams, and cultivated strategic partnerships with organizations like the Illinois Tollway and UI-Health, just to name a few.  In addition, Kathy has been an integral part in the development of partnering with an out of State non-profit, BlindSight Delaware and continues to focus on the growth of their social enterprise division, resulting in heightened financial resilience and enduring viability.

With a deep understanding of the non-profit sector, Kathy demonstrates passionate leadership aimed at creating positive change and improving the lives of those served by The Chicago Lighthouse. She has a proven track record of effectively managing resources, optimizing operational efficiency, and maximizing the social enterprise’s impact. Her ability to balance financial goals with social objectives has been instrumental in driving the organization’s success.

In summary, Ms. Stoeberl’s visionary and results-oriented leadership as Chief Operating Officer has led The Chicago Lighthouse’s social enterprise to significant revenue growth, bringing stability to the non-profit organization. Her strategic leadership, business acumen, and commitment to social impact has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission and creating sustainable change.