Virginia Jacko helps the visually impaired to live independently

For nearly 75 years, a local institution has served as a beacon for people with little or no eyesight, encouraging them to cope with life in a sighted world. It is the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which June 15 appointed a new president and chief executive, Virginia Jacko. Ms. Jacko, an experienced financial executive - for 14 years, she directed fiscal affairs for Purdue University in Indiana - and a longtime advocate of the blind is sightless.

She moved to Miami to become a client of the Lighthouse after a disease with no known cure caused her eyesight to begin failing. She served as treasurer on its board and in February was named interim CEO when incumbent Roxann Mayros resigned. She was interviewed by Miami Today international editor Michael Hayes.