Virginia A. Jacko, President and CEO

An experienced leader, Virginia Jacko is a blind visionary in a sighted world. She serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Miami Lighthouse. In a professional career that includes 24 years at Purdue University, most as Director of Financial Affairs, Ms. Jacko has shown acumen in the financial, managerial and fundraising arenas.

After experiencing gradual vision loss, in 2001 Ms. Jacko relocated to Miami to receive vocational rehabilitation training at Miami Lighthouse. Following her own successful rehabilitation she became a spokesperson for Miami Lighthouse, a member of the Board of Directors, treasurer, and Acting President and CEO before her permanent appointment. Under her tenure, new programs in music production, ceramics and fitness have been introduced and contributions have more than doubled. Ms. Jacko nurtured the largest single-donor gift in the organization’s history, a $1.1 million matching grant from philanthropist Gloria Martin. Over the last two years the number of client contact hours has increased by 35% percent. A significant expansion to the facility for the Blind Babies Program, music production, and fitness was celebrated on May 30th.

Ms. Jacko has been recognized by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind by receiving its 2005 Apollo Award. In 2006 she was the recipient of the American Red Cross Sara Hopkins Woodruff Spectrum Award and the Horizon Award from the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) for her collaboration with the Miami-Dade Public Library System. She was chosen as the South Florida Business Journal 2007 Business Woman of the Year in the Non-Profit Leader category. Most recently she was named as the AXA Advisors 2008 Business Woman of the Year in the Public Service/Non-Profit category.

Ms. Jacko is a member of the board of directors for the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB), as well as a member of the Florida Council of the Blind, the Rotary Club of Miami and the Miami Lions Club. She is a frequent lecturer on ADA law, accessible design for the disabled, and effective CEO/board partnerships. Ms. Jacko received her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Loyola University in Chicago and her Master of Science degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

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.

Donna Fischer-Williams joined Miami Lighthouse in December 2007 after working at the American Red Cross as a Major Gift Officer. Prior to that, she was Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago and Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the Hadley School for the Blind. At the Lighthouse she is responsible for all annual fundraising programs.

Ms. Fischer-Williams has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy from UCLA, a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Carol Brady-Simmons, Director of Children’s Programs & Vision Services

Carol Brady-Simmons has been with Miami Lighthouse for more then 18 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; and now serves as the Director of Children’s Services and the Low Vision Program.

Ms. Simmons received her Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from Miami-Dade College, a Bachelor of Science in Visual Disabilities, Orientation and Mobility, and a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Services and Studies from Florida State University.

Ms. Perez received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Florida State University.

Ms. Palma received her B.S. in Visual Disabilities, Orientation and Mobility, TVI, from Florida State University and holds a Professional Educator’s Certificate for the Visually Impaired (Grades K-12) from the State of Florida.

Mr. Rabalais obtained his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Louisiana.

Ms. Lopez received her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico.

Jessica Joseph supports the President /CEO and Board of Directors by coordinating Board and committee meetings, overseeing and directing correspondence, and maintaining the CEO’s calendar of appointments. She joined Miami Lighthouse in 2005 and brings her experience as a supervisor from her previous position at Thyssen Krupp Elevator. Ms. Joseph is a Notary Public for the State of Florida.

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.