Jose M. Muñoz is the chief executive officer of La Casa Norte, a leading Chicago-based nonprofit serving youth and families experiencing homelessness. The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Jose’s leadership is shaped by his family’s journey, his lived experience, and his commitment to creating opportunity for communities that have too often been overlooked. He is the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Chicago State University and recently completing his MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Appointed CEO in February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jose guided La Casa Norte through one of the most challenging periods in its history. Under his leadership, the organization rapidly expanded services to meet urgent community needs, including 24/7 youth shelter operations, emergency food support, rental assistance, cash assistance, and expanded housing and supportive services. During his tenure, La Casa Norte grew from serving 5,000 individuals to more than 24,000 people annually.
Beyond La Casa Norte, Jose serves as co-chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda, where he helps lead a statewide coalition of Latino-led organizations working to advance equity, representation, and opportunity across housing, education, economic development, public safety, and civic engagement. He was also one of five community leaders who commissioned the Fuerza Mexicana report, which highlights the history, contributions, and impact of Mexicans in the Chicagoland area.
Jose has been featured in local, national, and international media speaking on housing, immigration, Latino civic engagement, and community leadership. He was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2025 Notable Leader in Philanthropy. He is a former commissioner of the Chicago Park District and has served on the Illinois Governor’s Hispanic Employment Plan Advisory Council, advocating for greater Latino representation and opportunity in public institutions.
At the heart of Jose’s work is family. His wife, Lizbeth, and five children, Yvonne, Isaiah, Alexis, Kayla, and Elena, are his greatest sources of joy, purpose, and inspiration. He also draws strength from his parents, Miguel and Lidia, whose example of faith, perseverance, and community continues to guide him.