ABOUT US
Empowering Illinois Businesses Through Employee Ownership
The Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO) is the state’s leading resource for education, guidance, and support on employee ownership. As part of the national Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), we serve as Illinois’s central hub for free, unbiased information about how business owners can transition to employee ownership.
Our mission is simple: to help business owners, employees, and communities understand the power of shared ownership. Through education, outreach, and partnerships, we promote models like Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Worker Cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)—proven strategies that preserve businesses, protect jobs, and build community wealth.
ILCEO offers practical tools and trusted connections—articles, case studies, expert resources, and referrals to qualified professionals—to make every ownership transition informed, successful, and sustainable.
What We Do?
Educate. Empower. Connect.
At ILCEO, we provide free, impartial resources to help business owners, advisors, and employees understand and pursue employee ownership.
Through workshops, one-on-one guidance, and success stories from Illinois businesses, we equip companies with the knowledge to explore their options and take the next step toward shared ownership.
Whether you’re preparing for succession, exploring new ways to engage employees, or looking to strengthen your community, ILCEO is here to guide you—every step of the way.
Executive Director
Haydee "I-They" Caldero
Haydee Caldero is the Executive Director of the Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of workers throughout Illinois. ILCEO achieves this by educating business owners, their advisors, local governments, and community stakeholders on the social impact and business advantages of employee ownership. Through outreach, training, and strategic partnerships, ILCEO supports the growth of employee-owned enterprises as a means to build more equitable and resilient local economies.
Haydee previously served as COO of a 100% employee-owned company, where she oversaw the implementation of the ESOP, annual audits, valuations, ESOP administration, and employee engagement. Haydee holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Wesleyan University. She is actively involved in her local community, serving as a trustee for the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago and is on the board of the National Center for Employee Ownership.
Executive Director
Haydee "I-They" Caldero
Haydee Caldero is the Executive Director of the Illinois Center for Employee Ownership (ILCEO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of workers throughout Illinois. ILCEO achieves this by educating business owners, their advisors, local governments, and community stakeholders on the social impact and business advantages of employee ownership. Through outreach, training, and strategic partnerships, ILCEO supports the growth of employee-owned enterprises as a means to build more equitable and resilient local economies.
Haydee previously served as COO of a 100% employee-owned company, where she oversaw the implementation of the ESOP, annual audits, valuations, ESOP administration, and employee engagement. Haydee holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. from Wesleyan University. She is actively involved in her local community, serving as a trustee for the Policemen's Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago and is on the board of the National Center for Employee Ownership.
Meet Our Board Members
Russell Winter
Founder
US MFG
Steve Storkan
Executive Director
Employee Ownership Expansion Network
Wendy Gugora
Director of Marketing
Prairie Capital Advisors
Andy Kamphuis
Shareholder | Managing Director – Chicago Office
Vrakas CPAs + Advisors
Our Funders
Our work is made possible by the following supporters.
Our Partners
Join Us in Expanding Ownership and Opportunity
Imagine what Illinois could look like if every worker had a stake in the businesses that power our communities. At ILCEO, we believe shared ownership creates stronger companies, more resilient economies, and lasting local wealth.
We partner with business organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, universities, and community groups to expand access to employee ownership education and support across Illinois.
Together, we can preserve local businesses, protect jobs, and build a more equitable economy.
Sign Up for
Our Mailing List
We’re on a mission to preserve jobs and community wealth through employee ownership.
Privacy Policy © 2025 ILCEO All Rights Reserved.
Illinois Center for Employee Ownership