Lawrence Benito

Recently, Lawrence Benito transitioned from deputy director to chief executive officer/executive director. In his new role as ICIRR's CEO, he will be responsible for running all facets of the organization. Lawrence has a proven executive track record and over 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Formerly as deputy director for ICIRR, he was the lead of the senior management team, overseeing the program and political operations. He also served as the agency’s in-house lobbyist. During his tenure at ICIRR, he has organized in the north and northwest suburbs of Illinois, and directed ICIRR’s state-funded programs. Lastly, he is also the executive director of Illinois Immigrant Action -- ICIRR’s 501c4 sister organization, which engages in more targeted issue advocacy work.

Lawrence is a proud alumnus of the 2009 class of Leadership Greater Chicago, and the 2011 Shannon Leadership Institute. Currently, he is a commissioner with the Serve Illinois Commission, and the board president of the Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago. He earned a B.A. in Economics from Marquette University, and master’s in social work from Loyola University of Chicago.