Lawrence Benito

Lawrence Benito is ICIRR's CEO/Executive Director. In his role, he is 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 Deputy Director for ICIRR, he was the leader 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 on the board of directors for Chicago Public Media and is immediate past President of the Asian American Action Fund of Chicago. He earned a BA in Economics from Marquette University, and Master’s in Social Work from the Loyola University of Chicago.