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,” The 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.
The Blind Visionary, with Doug Eadie, Governance Edge Press, 2009
“Building a Rock-Solid Board/CEO Partnership: Talking with CEO Virginia Jacko” by Doug Eadie, May/June
     Nonprofit World May/June 2009
Webinar for snpo.org moderated with Doug Eadie: “Building a Rock-Solid Partnership with Your Board,”
     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

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.

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.

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. Cameron graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from Florida International University in 2011.

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.

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.

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.