Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, October 2025 — Centers for Independence (CFI) has announced the appointment of LeighAnn Hanrahan as its new Chief People Officer, marking a key leadership move that reinforces CFI’s commitment to building a high-performing, values-driven organization dedicated to care, inclusion, and empowerment. In her new role, LeighAnn will oversee all aspects of human resources strategy, workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational development across CFI’s multi-program operations.
LeighAnn has been a part of Centers for Independence for nearly three years, most recently serving as Vice President of Human Resources, where she led enterprise-wide HR transformation initiatives. She was instrumental in developing people analytics frameworks, enhancing workforce planning, and advancing employee engagement programs that strengthened CFI’s culture and retention. Her leadership in labor relations, collective bargaining, and talent management positioned her as a trusted partner to the executive team in shaping CFI’s long-term people strategy.
Before joining CFI, LeighAnn worked as a Strategic HR Consultant with Cornerstone Performance and as an Independent Contractor, where she advised organizations on workforce planning, recruitment optimization, and leadership development. She designed data-driven HR models, identified hiring barriers, and implemented upskilling programs that improved retention and organizational performance.
Earlier in her career, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Outreach Community Health Centers, where she spearheaded a transformation that reduced turnover by 10% and enhanced employer branding. She introduced modernized pay structures and succession planning programs that strengthened organizational capability and compliance.
LeighAnn also held key HR and talent acquisition roles at We Energies and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she directed large-scale hiring operations, managing over 500 open positions monthly. Her innovative approach to recruitment technology and data analytics contributed to faster hiring cycles, improved candidate experiences, and more strategic workforce expansion.
A graduate of Cardinal Stritch University, LeighAnn holds an MBA in Business Administration, Management, and Operations, complementing her strong foundation in HR strategy and organizational leadership.
About Centers for Independence (CFI)
Founded in 1938 as Jewish Vocational Services, Centers for Independence (CFI) began with a mission to help immigrants establish new lives in Milwaukee. Over the decades, CFI has evolved into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, employing more than 800 dedicated professionals and delivering over 30 life-changing programs to support people in achieving greater independence and quality of life.
CFI’s programs span health care, education, workforce development, and community integration, serving thousands of individuals each year. The organization remains deeply committed to its founding principles—empowerment, dignity, and opportunity—while continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
