We are excited to announce that Illa Burbank has joined the North Carolina Center for Employee Ownership (NCEOC) as our new Executive Director. With over three decades of extensive experience in the business world, Illa brings exceptional expertise in leading organizations and harnessing the benefits of employee ownership.
Her unique blend of expertise, passion, and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to transform North Carolina into a hub where every worker can become an employee-owner. Join us in welcoming Illa as she leads NCEOC into our exciting new chapter!
Background and Experience
Illa Burbank boasts an impressive career that spans over 30 years, marked by her leadership experience in start-ups and medium-cap enterprises. Her journey began at Incodema Inc., a start-up where she played a pivotal role as Chief Financial Officer, contributing to the company’s growth and stabilization in finance, accounting, and human resources. Illa was instrumental in transitioning the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), elevating employee morale and engagement.
During her tenure as President of Incodema and Newcut, Illa doubled their annual revenue and navigated the complexities of a pandemic, ensuring smooth operations and continuous production. She oversaw successful mergers, facilitated the company?s acquisition by a private equity firm, and integrated additional platforms, expanding their reach and revenue.
Illa?s role at iFyber, LLC as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer further highlighted her expertise, where she managed financial operations and implemented continuous improvement strategies. Her commitment to fostering highly capable teams and enforcing health and safety programs underscores her strong, process-oriented skills. In addition, Illa currently serves on the board of an ESOP company.
Reaction from Leaders
Illa?s deep, firsthand understanding of employee ownership and her leadership credentials make her a perfect fit for advancing NCEOC’s mission.
“Illa is a strong, experienced, and capable business and finance executive. She has experience working for a company that converted to an ESOP, first as CFO and then as President, and has seen firsthand the power of employee ownership in engaging employees,” says Anne-Claire Broughton, NCEOC founder and Senior Advisor.
Merald Holloway, Chairman of the Board, adds, “Our board is thrilled about Illa?s employee ownership knowledge and experience. We feel she understands the community of business owners we serve?speaking their language and connecting with their challenges. Her valuable perspective and exceptional expertise will be a tremendous asset to NCEOC.”
Connect with Illa
With Illa Burbank steering our future endeavors, NCEOC is poised to guide North Carolina into the next chapter of EO expansion. Her extensive experience and unmatched enthusiasm for the potential of employee ownership models align perfectly with our vision.
We encourage you to connect with Illa on LinkedIn to stay informed and participate in the dialogue on empowering employee ownership in North Carolina. You can also email Illa at iburbank@nceoc.org.
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