Lighthouse of Oakland County Inc. has named John Ziraldo as chief executive officer, effective May 16.
Ziraldo will replace Noreen Keating, who is retiring after 20 years as CEO of Lighthouse.
In his new role, Ziraldo will oversee an agency with an annual budget of $6.5 million and provide direction to its three subsidiaries: Lighthouse Emergency Services (which has a branch in Clarkston), Lighthouse PATH and Lighthouse Community Development.
Currently, Ziraldo is director of programs for The Guidance Center in Southgate. He is responsible for management and direction of community mental health, early childhood, juvenile justice and after-school enrichment programs. Prior to this position, he served as executive director for The Thompson-McCully Foundation and was senior program officer at The Skillman Foundation. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Sacred Heart Seminary and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan.
‘This was a natural career progression for John to become CEO, given his lifelong dedication to the underserved in the community and his championship of those most in need,? said Susan E. Cooper, who chairs the board of trustees of Lighthouse of Oakland County, Inc.? Clearly, the mission of Lighthouse and John’s goals are mutually supportive. We are very fortunate to have John lead us into a new phase in our development here at Lighthouse.?
Ziraldo brings to Lighthouse an extensive background in human service and community activism. During his tenure at the Skillman Foundation, he developed and oversaw the foundation’s public school reform initiatives. He currently serves as a member of the Michigan Workforce Action Network, the New Detroit Public Education Task Force, and numerous boards and committees relating to educational and work force issues.
Founded in 1972 to help low-income families and seniors in need, Lighthouse of Oakland County Inc. is a unique non-profit agency providing a continuum of client-centered services that facilitate the achievement of self sufficiency for individuals and families and the stabilization and revitalization of the communities in which it serves.
Lighthouse provides fiscally responsible, quality programs and services by working in collaboration with volunteers, churches, community organizations, businesses and individuals.