A Special Update from Cara Collective
At Cara Collective, we have always believed in the power of transformation—of individuals, of communities, and of ourselves. Today, we share news of an important transformation within our leadership.
After more than four years of dedicated service as our President & CEO, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento will move on from Cara Collective at the end of this year. Kathleen’s last day will be Friday, December 5. While this news brings a mix of emotions, we are filled with immense gratitude for her leadership and excited anticipation for what lies ahead—for her and for Cara Collective.
Before stepping into the role of CEO, Kathleen was already deeply connected to our mission. Her journey with Cara began not as a leader, but as a believer—in our job seekers, in our purpose, and in the power of community. From her very first experience in the Motivations circle, it was clear that the heart of Cara Collective—the stories, the courage, the shared “why”—would shape her leadership and deepen her impact.
In her more than four years as CEO, Kathleen has guided Cara Collective through moments of profound challenge and growth. From navigating the pandemic to launching new partnerships, expanding our reach, and deepening our commitment to equity and innovation, her leadership has helped position our enterprise for a strong and sustainable future.
Thanks to the strength, resilience, and commitment of our team, our board, and our community, Cara Collective is well-positioned for this next chapter. We will be sharing more in the coming weeks, including updates on the search process as they become more available.
To Kathleen, we offer our deepest thanks—for your vision, your service, and your belief in this community. You have helped write a powerful chapter in Cara Collective’s story, and your legacy will continue to ripple through the lives we touch every day.
With gratitude,
The Staff of Cara Collective
A Statement from Cara Collective Board Chair J. Todd Phillips
Founded by Tom Owens in 1991, Cara Collective has worked tirelessly to deliver solutions that transform lives, build thriving communities, and help break the cycle of poverty. Four years ago, Dr. Kathleen St. Louis Caliento took the helm of this amazing organization during a period of global and local uncertainty. With clarity, compassion, and strategic vision, she guided the organization through this time and positioned Cara Collective for long-term sustainability.
During Kathleen’s tenure as CEO, Cara Collective continued to expand its reach and deepen its impact, including (but not limited to):
- Reinvigorating our programming, resulting in more than 1,000 job placements annually
- Growing Cara Collective’s annual operating budget from $12 million to more than $17 million
- Expanding our reach and impact on Chicago’s South Side through Cleanslate’s move to the Englewood community, including a 57% increase in transitional jobs created annually
- Elevating our local and national profile through innovative partnerships and initiatives that broaden our impact and advance a more inclusive economy
The Cara Collective Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Kathleen’s leadership and proud of the many accomplishments she and the team have achieved together. At the same time, we are equally excited about the opportunity to build on Cara Collective’s strong foundation as we continue to pursue our mission of advancing transformative individual and community success.
Cara Collective’s leadership team and staff are strong, experienced, and already working to ensure a smooth transition. The Board has formed a search committee and engaged Russell Reynolds Associates, a nationally recognized executive search firm, to identify our next CEO. We will also appoint an interim CEO to manage day-to-day executive responsibilities during this process. I look forward to sharing updates in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued belief in Cara Collective. Community has always been at the heart of our work, and your ongoing support remains critical to our continued success.
In friendship,
J. Todd Phillips
Chair, Board of Directors
Cara Collective
