Association House of Chicago, which provides comprehensive programming in English and Spanish in Humboldt Park that promotes health and wellness and creates opportunities for educational and economic advancement, has named Margarita Rosas to the position of Director of Finance effective January 16, 2024. Reporting directly to the President and CEO Juan Carlos Linares, Rosas will collaborate with the other members of the leadership team, as well as the Board of Directors, to support the financial goals of the organization. Leading the search efforts included President and CEO Heather Eddy and Project Manager Randi Blasutti of KEES.

Before joining Association House, Rosas, a seasoned finance executive, served as the Director of Finance with New York Sun Works, driving the financial functions and performance. New York Sun Works constructs innovative science labs in urban schools across New York’s five boroughs, teaching climate education and emphasizing program accessibility for diverse learners. In her five years, Rosas was instrumental in expanding the organization from 90 to over 400 school partners, impacting 120,000+ students annually. She adeptly managed revenue, staff costs, and program expenses, implementing efficient systems for improved grant reporting and enhanced capacity to manage various revenue sources, including federal, state, and city contracts.

Juan Carlos Linares, President and CEO, expressed, “In our search for a Director with expertise in strategic nonprofit finance to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Margarita stood out. As a hands-on leader, she prioritizes continuous improvement and high performance by establishing a clear and actionable vision. We anticipate she will play a key role in driving the organization’s strategic plans forward. With the addition of Margarita to our leadership team, I look forward to working with this strong team to move the Agency forward into new paths. Our gratitude to KEES for their expertise in successfully identifying and presenting a diverse and talented pool of candidates.”

Born and raised in Colombia, Rosas was deputy director for social investments at the Colombian’s national government and the Founder of New Life for Everyone, a foundation that supports education, learning, and exploring opportunities to over 400 children in marginalized communities and the slum areas of Bogota city.

“As a Latina immigrant, I feel strongly connected to Association of House’s mission for inclusion and creating opportunities for marginalized communities, including immigrants, Latinos, and black communities,” said Margarita. “Contributing to growth, sustainability, and efficiency will be an incredible professional challenge and an ideal way to fulfill a deep personal purpose. I am truly honored to have been selected to serve as the Director of Finance.”

Association House of Chicago retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in searches for top nonprofit executive roles, in 2023, and a comprehensive search launched. Rosas was ultimately selected from a passionate, diverse, and talented pool of finalists. This is the second new leadership level hire for Linares, who came to lead the agency in 2021 and transform it for the future.

Rosas holds a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University, a Master’s degree in Regional Planning with an emphasis in Local Economic Development from Universidad de Los Andes, and a dual degree in BA Business Administration and BSc Economics, also from Universidad de Los Andes.

“Margarita is more than ready for this next step in her career. She is excited to bring her knowledge to nonprofit work locally,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “On behalf of the KEES team, we would like to officially congratulate Margarita and the entire Association House community on this exciting news. Chicago is getting a stellar finance executive, and we are proud to be the search partner of choice!” This hire augments the portfolio of Finance Executives we have placed in recent months.

About the Partners   

Association House of Chicago

Founded as a settlement house in 1899, the Association House of Chicago (Association House) was formed to meet the needs of new immigrants on Chicago’s West Side. Serving a vibrant, multicultural community, the mission is still vibrant today and fills the educational and economic gaps that leave individuals and families struggling. A dedicated and professional team utilizes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive model to promote health, and wellness, and create opportunities for educational and economic advancement. For more information, visit www.associationhouse.org

KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

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ASSOCIATION HOUSE MEDIA CONTACT:

Lillian Bui, LBui@associationhouse.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com