Doris Concepcion has established herself as a distinguished professional in accounting, financial management, and compliance, dedicating more than two decades to the field. She currently serves as vice president and controller at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, where she oversees all financial aspects of the organization. Her responsibilities include presenting at board meetings, providing quarterly updates, and managing monthly financial statements. She also conducts regular meetings with auditors to ensure compliance and financial control.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Concepcion spent 20 years at a nonprofit health care institution in Chicago, Illinois, where she played a critical role in financial management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced significant challenges due to revenue losses associated with patient care. In response, she joined a steering committee focused on bridging financial gaps for the hospital. Her efforts were instrumental in securing over $85 million in provider relief funds from government sources, including FEMA and state grants.
Ms. Concepcion prepared for her career at Robert Morris University in Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting in 2000. She went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from National Louis University in 2006. Her dedication to excellence in accounting is also seen through her active participation in industry-related organizations, including the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where she has been a member since 2008.
Reflecting on her professional path, Ms. Concepcion has been inspired and supported by her exceptional mentors and her robust support system for women in leadership roles. Her transition from health care to the nonprofit sector required significant adaptability and growth. One of her primary challenges was adjusting to the global nature of her new role, where virtual collaboration replaced in-person interactions. This shift prompted Ms. Concepcion to develop new strategies for building trust and effective communication in a remote environment.
Balancing policy-driven responsibilities with a solutions-oriented approach, Ms. Concepcion embraced the nonprofit sector’s need for flexibility. Moving beyond a traditional financial role, she became both a trusted controller and a key support resource, ensuring compliance while helping colleagues navigate challenges and maintain financial integrity.
Throughout her career, Ms. Concepcion’s dedication to empowering women and advocating for equal representation in finance has been evident. In light of her impressive undertakings in this area, she received the Woman of Color STEM Top Women in Finance Outstanding Achievement Award from UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement in 2024.
Ms. Concepcion attributes her success to her humility, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous growth. Raised in a family of first-generation college graduates, she remains grounded in her accomplishments, believing that perseverance and hard work are essential for advancement. A guiding principle from her father, “You’re always replaceable,” has kept her humble and motivated throughout her career. She now shares this perspective with young professionals, emphasizing the importance of humility and lifelong learning.
When advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Concepcion highlights the importance of embracing new opportunities. Viewing extra work as a chance to expand her skill set, she encourages interns and early-career professionals to take on projects that foster growth and open doors for future advancement. This proactive mindset has helped her build momentum and gain recognition for her contributions.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Concepcion was born and raised in Chicago and is married with two sons. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and reading. Looking to the future, she envisions advancing within her organization and joining the boards of various nonprofit organizations. Her primary goal is to give back to the community by engaging with nonprofits focused on underprivileged communities, where her expertise can make a meaningful impact. Additionally, Ms. Concepcion remains dedicated to empowering others and advocating for equal representation.