COUNTRYSIDE, Ill. (July 6, 2026) — Pillars Community Health, a nonprofit provider of integrated primary care, behavioral health, dental care, domestic violence and sexual assault services, and community-based programs throughout Chicago’s western and southwestern suburbs, has appointed Shunita L. Rhodes, CPA, MBA, as Chief Financial Officer.
Shunita joins the organization following executive finance leadership roles across nonprofit healthcare, behavioral health, education, and human services. She succeeds Lanita Higgs-Jackson, who was appointed President & CEO earlier this year.
As Chief Financial Officer, Shunita joins the executive leadership team and will oversee the organization’s financial strategy, risk management, facilities, and information technology while partnering with the executive leadership team and Board of Directors to strengthen Pillars Community Health’s long-term financial sustainability and expand access to whole-person care throughout the communities it serves.
“Shunita is an accomplished financial leader whose experience, integrity, and strategic perspective will be invaluable to Pillars Community Health,” said Lanita Higgs-Jackson, President & CEO. “Strong financial stewardship makes our mission possible. Shunita’s leadership will help ensure we can continue providing compassionate, whole-person care to everyone who comes through our doors, especially those who have historically faced the greatest barriers to care.”
Most recently, Shunita served as Senior Director of Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer at Trilogy Inc., where she led budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and operational planning. Her previous leadership experience includes Quattro Business Solutions, VanderCook College of Music, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and Chicago Public Schools.
“Pillars Community Health is known for meeting people where they are and providing care when it is needed most,” said Shunita. “I am honored to join an organization so committed to its community. I look forward to supporting the strength of our financial, technology, facilities, and operational resources so our teams can continue delivering exceptional care for years to come.”
Shunita earned a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Chicago State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
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