The Chicago Lighthouse Names Rosa Carrillo it’s New CFO
Dec 5th, 2023
Former Chicago Community Trust Associate Vice President and Controller will guide finances and controls for $40 million nonprofit organization.
CHICAGO (November 27, 2023) – The Chicago Lighthouse is pleased to announce that Rosa Carrillo has joined the renowned social service agency as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this position, she will oversee all financial compliance, financial operations, and internal controls for a portfolio totaling over $40M in assets across more than 30 programs via The Chicago Lighthouse social services and social business enterprise affiliates.
Ms. Carrillo was most recently Associate Vice President and Controller at Chicago Community Trust. In that job, she managed more than $4 billion in assets and helped oversee eight operating legal entities in partnership with Chicago Community Trust’s CFO. She also oversaw the organization’s financial operations, including investment accounting, gift processing and financial reporting.
“As a longtime Chicagoan, I have known about The Chicago Lighthouse’s history of helping people who are blind or visually impaired, but I was impressed to learn about the work it does for people with other types of disabilities and Veterans, particularly in the field of employment,” said Rosa Carrillo, Chief Financial Officer of The Chicago Lighthouse. “I am overjoyed to join such a renowned and respected organization at such an important time in its 117-year history. This role allows me to apply my skills and combines my passion for Chicago history and social justice.”
Ms. Carrillo brings more than 20 years of financial experience – in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds – to The Chicago Lighthouse. She has served as Corporate Controller for Heartland Alliance, where she was responsible for consolidating the $130 million organization’s financial reporting and securing the acquisition and financing of Heartland Alliance Health’s new Englewood health center. Ms. Carrillo has also worked in the financial departments of Leeco Steel and Deutsche Bank.
“After an extensive search, I am beyond thrilled to have Rosa join our dynamic executive leadership team,” said Janet Szlyk, President and CEO of The Chicago Lighthouse. “Her experience and working in both the non-profit and for-profit worlds are a perfect fit for our multi-faceted business model, which includes comprehensive social service programs, social business enterprises and our affiliated nonprofits, Chicago Lighthouse Industries and BlindSight Delaware Enterprises, Inc.”
In summer 2024, the organization will open The Foglia Residences, a 76-unit, income-qualifying residential building that will provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing for people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veterans. The Lighthouse has also been expanding its social enterprise contact centers for clients including The Illinois Tollway, UI Health and the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
