iCAN Gains Director of Finance and Operations, Leisa Cosentino
The Incredible Children’s Art Network (iCAN) is pleased to announce Leisa Cosentino as the organization’s first Director of Finance and Operations. With over thirty years of experience as a senior financial and operations manager, Cosentino will work with the organization’s leadership team to refine and implement financial systems, human resource policies and in-house operations, including the renovation and management of iCAN’s new16,000 sq. ft. building, located in downtown Santa Barbara.
“The creation of this position is critical to our organizational development as we build on a foundation to strengthen our financial and operating systems,” said Executive Director, Jeffry Walker. “Leisa not only has the experience necessary to establish these structures, but she brings with her a dynamic and personable skill set both as a leader and collaborator.”
Cosentino transitioned to Santa Barbara after serving as the chief financial officer for the Exploration School in Norwood, Massachusetts for over six years. There, she created the accounting, budgeting and financial reporting systems for the $15M organization. Additionally, she oversaw the facility and operational management during a major facilities renovation.
Before working in the nonprofit arena, Cosentino spent twenty years in the for profit sector. She spent most of her career in Massachusetts including twelve years as a financial advisor, chief financial officer and strategic financial planner for private equity firms and national corporations. In 2000, she was hired as chief financial officer for Global Training Solutions, LLC in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she managed the financial and administrative operations through two major restructurings. She then spent six years in New York and Boston with Schooner Capital, as chief financial officer of several portfolio companies and then corporate controller.
Cosentino is a graduate of Bryant University and received her masters of science in business administration from Suffolk University. She is an active member with the Santa Barbara Newcomers Club, currently serving on its Board of Directors.
About iCAN
The Incredible Children’s Art Network (iCAN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 on the belief that all young people should have access to quality arts learning opportunities and that the arts are essential to the social, emotional and intellectual development of every child. The mission of iCAN is to bring high quality arts programs to children in Santa Barbara County, particularly those least likely to receive them. Through sustained creative learning opportunities that emphasize both artistic excellence and access, iCAN seeks to affect positive social change in the communities it serves.
For more information on iCAN