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Management Team
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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 financial executive to her
vocational rehabilitation at Miami Lighthouse. Virginia told her story in
a book written in 2009 with Doug Eadie, The Blind Visionary. She donates
her royalties to Miami Lighthouse.
During her tenure, the number of program participants has increased from
fewer than 500 in 2004 to about 10,000 today. A variety of groundbreaking
new programs in Braille and technology literacy, vocational
rehabilitation, music, ceramic arts, year-round programming for blind and
visually impaired kids and eye wellness services to schoolchildren have
made Miami Lighthouse a Center of Excellence recognized nationally in
professional and academic publications. In 2007, CEO Jacko played a
leading role in a merger with the Heiken Children's Vision Program,
culminating in the creation of the Florida Heiken Children’s Program, LLC,
a division of Miami Lighthouse, a statewide program serving 9,000 needy
children annually with funding by individual donors, foundations, and
contracts with the Florida Department of Health.
Donor contributions have more than doubled since CEO Jacko took the reins
in 2005. She nurtured the two largest single-donor gifts in the
organization’s history, each well over $1 million. Miami Lighthouse also
has achieved a coveted four-star ranking from Charity Navigator under her
tenure for five consecutive years, placing it in the top four percent of
not-for-profits in the nation.
Ms. Jacko writes about and is a sought-after guest speaker for business
groups, chambers of commerce and national conferences on issues affecting
the blind and visually impaired. She holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration from Loyola University (Chicago) and a Master of Science
from Purdue University from which she received the College of Health and
Human Sciences 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Recent Publications:
Book: The Blind Visionary, with Doug Eadie, Governance Edge Press,
2009. (Available from Governance Edge Press at
www.theblindvisionary.com)
Articles:
“Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program: Vision Care for Needy
Schoolchildren,” Virginia A. Jacko, M.S., Alan P. Levitt, O.D.,
Steven E. Marcus, Ed.D., and Alfred A. Rosenbloom, O.D.,
D.O.S.,
Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association,
Vol. 83, No. 1, pp.43-46, January 2012..
“Distance Learning Accessibility Issues in Higher Education,”
Chronicle of Higher Education, May 2011.
“Mainstream Employment in Music Production for Individuals Who Are
Visually Impaired: Development of a Model Training
Program,” by
Virginia Jacko, Harold Cobo, Antonio Cobo, Rachelle
Fleming, and
J. Elton Moore, in the Practice Perspectives section of
the Journal of
Visual Impairment and Blindness, September 2010.
“Building a Rock-Solid Board/CEO Partnership: Talking with CEO
Virginia Jacko” by Doug Eadie, May/June
Nonprofit World
May/June 2009
“Intervention through Art for Adults Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired,”
with Amy R. McKenzie, Ed.D., and Tatiana Palma, B.S.,
Journal of the
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the
Blind and Visually
Impaired, February 2009
“Leading and Managing Governance Change,” with Miami Lighthouse
Board Chairman William R. Roy and consultant Doug Eadie,
NonProfit World, May/June 2008
Awards (since 2007):
Claude Pepper, Thelma Gibson 2012 Award for Community Service
Florida Women of Achievement 2012
South Florida Business Journal Excellence in Health Care Award,
Non-Profit, 2011
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Sapphire Award,
nonprofit category, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and
Visually Impaired
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
Service:
Board Director, National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low
Vision Services
Trustee, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Trustee, American Printing House for the Blind
Board Director, Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB)
Board Director, Lions for the Blind
Past
Chair, Advisory Council on Disabilities, American Red Cross of
Greater Miami and the Keys
Past Member, United Way Early Childhood Center of Excellence Advisory
Committee |
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Carol Brady-Simmons, Chief Program Officer
Carol Brady-Simmons has been with
Miami Lighthouse for more than 22 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. |
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Brenda Williamson, Manager of Grants and Program Compliance
Brenda Williamson joined the Miami Lighthouse in June 2007. She is a
creative, entrepreneurial development professional with a proven track
record in strengthening the capacity of major not-for-profit
organizations. She was previously director of development at the National
Audubon Society, Daily Bread Food Bank, Inc., and Legal Services of
Greater Miami. In addition Ms. Williamson served as part of a small
start-up-team of professionals hired to plan the opening of the Miami-Dade
Cultural Center and the Center for the Fine Arts later to be named Miami
Art Museum.
Ms. Williamson received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Peabody
College in Nashville, Tennessee. |
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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.
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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.
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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. Cameron
graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from Florida
International University in 2011.
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Alexandra Pitigoi, Development Manager Alexandra
Pitigoi joined Miami Lighthouse in December 2012. Ms. Pitigoi comes
with over 5 years experience in business development working for
Piedroba Marine and brings extensive networking, leadership, and
consultative skills. Raised in Bucharest, Romania Alexandra also
worked in finance in Minneapolis which taught her to be sensitive to
different cultures and the importance of balance between fostering
communication and garnering results. Ms. Pitigoi received her
Bachelor of Arts in History from Florida International University
Honors College. |
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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. |
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Jeannie Reinoso, Executive Assistant Jeannie Reinoso
joined the Miami Lighthouse in January 2011. She is a career executive
administrative professional with vast experience in providing
administrative and personal support to top level executives. She has
previously been employed in the areas of transportation/logistics at
Quest Express Cargo, Resort/Construction/HR at White Sands, wireless
technology at Brightstar, and executive offices at Cisneros TV Group
in New York and South Florida. Ms. Reinoso received her Bachelor of
Arts degree from ITT Tech, and holds a Certification of Human
Resources from Nova University, Notary Public of the State of Florida. |
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