Koya | Diversified Search Group partnered with Association House of Chicago on its President and CEO search. Our work resulted in the placement of Juan Carlos Linares.

Since 1899, Association House has worked with Chicagoans who seek tools to lead more productive lives. It is one of the oldest “settlement houses” in Chicago originally designed to provide relief and guidance to new immigrants. Today, Association House is a vital resource for under-served, multicultural communities, providing collaborative programs in English and Spanish. The organization promotes health and wellness, educational advancement, and economic empowerment.

Linares joined Association House with an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and service. Linares is the former Executive Director of LUCHA (Latin United Community Housing Association) and Director and Assistant General Counsel for IES ABROAD (Institute for the International Education of Students).

Linares held prior roles with the City of Chicago, most recently as Chief Engagement Officer under Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Linares is also the past Chairman of the Illinois Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Linares is currently a Lecturer in Law at the University of Chicago Law School.

Juan Carlos holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Juris Doctor of Law from DePaul University, a Master of Law Degree from The John Marshall Law School, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.