#United States #Chicago #Workforce Development #Cara Collective #Karin Norington-Reaves

Karin Norington-Reaves Takes the Helm at Cara Collective

The Board of Directors at Cara Collective has made a significant announcement: Karin Norington-Reaves will step into the role of President and CEO of this esteemed workforce development organization, beginning on May 4, 2026. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for Cara Collective, an organization committed to alleviating relational and financial poverty through the power of employment.

Karin comes to this position with an impressive background in education, legal advocacy, and community development, spanning over three decades. As the founder and former CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership since its inception in 2012, she has made notable contributions to workforce development, successfully assisting over 100,000 individuals in securing employment. Her organization partnered with more than 2,000 employers, managed in excess of $500 million in federal funding, and garnered upwards of $150 million in philanthropic contributions. Most recently, Karin served as CEO of i.c. stars, another workforce development initiative aimed at equipping underrepresented populations for careers within the tech sector.

J. Todd Phillips, Chair of the Cara Collective’s Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about Karin’s appointment, stating, "This is a defining moment for Cara Collective. Karin was chosen following an extensive national search led by a special committee of our board, in collaboration with the executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates. She embodies the strategic vision and collaborative leadership necessary to advance our 35-year legacy while steering Cara into its next phase of innovation and growth."

Karin’s career reflects her commitment to public service, with past roles that include Director of Cook County Works, Deputy Director of the Office of Urban Assistance for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Chief of Staff for the City of Chicago's 20th Ward. Furthermore, she spent eight years as a litigator with the U.S. Department of Justice and other organizations, focusing on mental health law, education, and consumer protection in public utilities.

Karin remarked on her admiration for Cara Collective’s impact since her first encounter with the organization in 2008. She stated, "Cara embodies the values I deeply believe in, which include a strong investment in people, challenging outdated ideas about access to opportunities, and enhancing economic mobility for all. I am honored to join this remarkable team and look forward to collaborating on our future endeavors."

A Chicago native, Karin holds a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Her extensive civic engagement includes serving on several boards and committees, such as the Cook County Economic Development Advisory Committee and Access Living.

About Cara Collective: Founded in 1991, Cara Collective has set out to ignite a national movement aimed at eliminating relational and financial poverty. Through their three entities, they aim to connect job seekers with employers and various organizations throughout the country. To date, Cara has successfully helped over 10,800 individuals find work, with a record of placing them in more than 17,300 jobs, all while empowering them toward lasting success. For more information, please visit Cara Collective's website.