Celena Sarillo, M.S.W., M.Ed.

Celena joined the McCormick Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2020.

She currently serves as the Executive Director of Start Early, overseeing the organization’s portfolio of early learning and care programs and policy and research efforts across Illinois and in Chicago.

Previously, she was CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, the national organization’s second largest region, providing disaster response, health and safety training, community preparedness, and support for military service members, veterans, and their families. Before that, Celena served as the Executive Director of Erie Neighborhood House, strengthening low-income, primarily Latino families through skill building, access to critical resources, advocacy, and collaborative action.

She serves on the Board of Trustees of National Louis University, the Board of Directors of The Chicago Network, and the Board of Directors of Wintrust Wealth Management.

Celena holds a master’s degree in early childhood administration from National Louis University, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.