Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Winke joined the Greater Chicago Food Depository as Chief Financial Officer in September 2026. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in accounting, finance and organizational strategy across mission-driven sectors including education, human services, behavioral health and food banking.
Prior to joining the Food Depository, Elizabeth served as Chief Financial Officer for Distinctive Schools, where she led organizational change and improved financial outlooks for schools and educational entities in both Chicago and Detroit. Earlier in her career, she held finance and accounting leadership roles at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Feeding America and Deloitte, where she leveraged her forensic accounting expertise to strengthen operational and strategic financial management. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, led cross-functional finance teams and guided organizations through periods of growth, transformation and operational change.
In her role at the Food Depository, Elizabeth oversees all aspects of finance and financial strategy, including budgeting, treasury and risk management. She partners with leaders across the organization to ensure financial strength and stability are paired with prudent investment to advance the mission to end hunger in the greater Chicagoland community.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Purdue University and has been a licensed CPA for over 20 years. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Equality Illinois and has long been committed to advancing strong, equitable nonprofit organizations, dating back to her college internship with PADS of Elgin.
Outside of work, Elizabeth is an avid Chicago sports fan, though her favorite sports to watch are her children's youth leagues. When she's not at the pitch, rink or diamond, she loves to travel with family and friends.