Miami Lighthouse for the Blind - About Us


	Upcoming Events
	Comedy Night in the Garden – February 1, 2011 McCrea Volunteer Luncheon – February 14, 2011 Walk, Waggle and Stroll – March 6, 2011 Music Under the Stars: Bon Appetit Miami – April 27, 2011 YPOL Legislative Luncheon – June 27, 2011 White Cane Day – October 14, 2011 80th Anniversary Ruby Jubilee – November 12, 2011

Management Team

	Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO Virginia A. Jacko is a blind visionary in a sighted world, who attributes her continuing success as an experienced executive to her vocational rehabilitation at Miami Lighthouse, where she came as a client in 2001. Gradual vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa forced upon her the realization that to maintain her career as a successful executive, she would need vocational rehabilitation. After gaining her rehabilitation skills at Miami Lighthouse, Ms. Jacko became a spokesperson for Miami Lighthouse, a member of the Board of Directors, treasurer, and Acting President and CEO before her permanent appointment. Virginia told her story in a book written in 2009 with Doug Eadie, The Blind Visionary, available from Governance Edge Press at www.theblindvisionary.com Before coming to Miami, she was a successful financial executive at Purdue University, where she served for 24 years. With the vocational rehabilitation she received at Miami Lighthouse, Ms. Jacko has been able to apply her acumen in the financial, managerial and fundraising arenas in her role as CEO of Miami Lighthouse. Under her tenure, Miami Lighthouse has achieved a coveted four-star ranking from Charity Navigator, now for the third consecutive year. This ranking, which only 13 percent of the nation's not-for-profits achieve for three years running, attests to the organizations sound fiscal management, responsible use of donor dollars and financial strength. With Ms. Jacko's leadership, new programs in music production, ceramics, and low vision enhancement have been introduced to benefit clients in many ways, along with expanded year-round programs for children learning Braille and for blind babies. The music program in particular is nationally recognized for innovation, inclusion and providing skills that lead to mainstream employment. Donor contributions have more than doubled; Ms. Jacko nurtured the largest single-donor gifts in the organization’s history, a $1.1 million matching grant from philanthropist Gloria Martin and the $1 million Sash A Spencer Challenge, which concluded in 2009 with an additional half million in matching funds raised. A significant expansion to the Miami Lighthouse facility for the Blind Babies Program, music production, and fitness was celebrated in 2007. That same year Ms. Jacko played a leading role in a merger with the Heiken Children's Vision Program, which enabled Miami Lighthouse to expand its mission to help thousands of disadvantaged children who have no other resources for vision care. The Miami Lighthouse Board of Directors unanimously approved the concept for the Miami Lighthouse Center of Excellence in Low Vision Rehabilitation following Ms. Jacko's research into the most pressing needs of Miami Lighthouse clients and blind and visually impaired people in our community. As a Center of Excellence, Miami Lighthouse is receiving national recognition for training, research, eye wellness and rehabilitation. Ms. Jacko has been a guest speaker for local business groups, chambers of commerce and at national conferences on issues affecting the blind and visually impaired. Publications/Other Media: “Mainstream Employment in Music Production for Individuals Who Are Visually Impaired: Development of a Model Training Program,” with Harold Cobo, Antonio Cobo, Rachelle Fleming, and J. Elton Moore which appeared in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, September 2010. The Blind Visionary, with Doug Eadie, Governance Edge Press, 2009. "Leading and Managing Governance Change," with Miami Lighthouse Board Chairman William R. Roy and consultant Doug Eadie, NonProfit World, May/June 2008. “Intervention through Art for Adults Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired,” with Amy R. McKenzie, Ed.D., and Tatiana Palma, B.S., which appeared in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, February 2009. Webinar for snpo.org moderated with Doug Eadie: "Building a Rock-Solid Partnership with Your Board," June 2009. "Building a Rock-Solid Board/CEO Partnership: Talking with CEO Virginia Jacko" by Doug Eadie appeared in the May/June 2009 issue of Nonprofit World. Awards: Nancy Hughes Community Commitment Award presented at the Miami-Dade County Days Awards Luncheon in Tallahassee, April 2010 Business Leader Media’s Movers & Shakers Award, 2009 South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women of Leadership Award, 2009 Miami-Dade County Parks In the Company of Women Award, 2009 Finalist, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Health Care Heroes Award, 2009 Health Foundation of South Florida Concern Award, 2008 AXA Advisory Business Woman of the Year, Public Service/Non-Profit, 2008 Women’s Power Caucus Quiet Storm Achiever, 2008 South Florida Business Journal Business Woman of the Year, Non-Profit, 2007, American Red Cross Sarah Hopkins Woodruff Spectrum Award, 2006 Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) Horizon Award, 2006 Guiding Eyes for the Blind Apollo Award, 2005 Service: Trustee, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Trustee, American Printing House for the Blind Board Director, Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB) United Way Early Childhood Center of Excellence Advisory Committee Rotary Club of Miami and the Miami Lions Club Chair, Advisory Council on Disabilities, American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys Board Director Lions for the Blind


	Ed Largaespada, Chief Financial Officer Ed Largaespada joined Miami Lighthouse in May 2008. He has more than 10 years experience as Chief Financial Officer at Switchboard of Miami and at Bayview Center. His responsibilities include supervision of all business operations, budgeting, reporting, and compliance. A Certified Management Accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Zamorano University, a Master of Business Administration from Incae Business School and a Master of Economics from Florida International University.


	Carol Brady-Simmons, Director of Client and Vision Enhancement Services Carol Brady-Simmons has been with Miami Lighthouse for more than 21 years and brings vibrant energy and creativity to the many projects she undertakes. She has served in many capacities during her tenure at the Lighthouse, including Chair of Orientation and Mobility, Interim Director of Adult Services, Director of Children’s Services and the Low Vision Program and now is our Director of Client programs and Vision Enhancement Services. Ms. Simmons received her Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from Miami-Dade College, a Bachelor of Science in Visual Disabilities, Orientation and Mobility, a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Services and Studies, and a minor in Gerontology from Florida State University.


	Jessica Cerda-Antomarchi, Senior Development Officer Jessica Cerda-Antomarchi has been working in the non-profit sector for over 10 years and brings extensive experience in managing the Department of Development and Special Events. Prior to joining the Miami Lighthouse, she was the Director of Development for CHARLEE Homes for Children and The Victory School for Children with Autism. Ms. Cerda-Antomarchi received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami.


	Jeff Rabalais, Facilities and Transportation Manager Jeff Rabalais brings to the Lighthouse academic training in architecture and extensive experience in facilities management, space planning, project management, events and food service. The skills and knowledge he has obtained throughout his career allow him to manage a broad range of services that span client transportation, building maintenance, janitorial needs, in-house catering, disaster preparation and building compliance to maintain a safe, clean, secure environment for our clients, employees and visitors. Mr. Rabalais obtained his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Louisiana.


	Mabel Lopez, Human Resources Manager Mabel Lopez joined Miami Lighthouse in January 2007 and brings more than 10 years of experience. Her knowledge of human resources includes employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, HRIS, policies and procedures, and workers’ compensation. Ms. Lopez received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources from the University of Puerto Rico, and holds a Professional in Human Resources certification.


	Cameron Sisser, Manager of External Relations Cameron Sisser joined Miami Lighthouse in 2010 and brings extensive experience in network development, alliance building, relationship management, political outreach, and event planning. He previously served as Legislative Assistant to Senator Gwen Margolis and Senator Dan Gelber where he researched, tracked and wrote legislation, press releases, newsletters and policy briefs while interacting daily with community leaders and constituents. Born in Miami, Cameron attended Ransom Everglades High School which prepared him for The George Washington University in Washington DC, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor of arts in political science. He will graduate with a Master's in Public Administration from Florida International University in 2011.


	Sharon Caughill, Special Projects Manager - Center of Excellence Sharon Caughill joined the Lighthouse in March, 2007. Her previous positions include extensive experience as an administrative and executive assistant. At the Lighthouse she assists the President/CEO with special projects and with the day-to-day activities of the executive office. Ms. Caughill received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University, and holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from the State University of New York at Alfred.