Doris Concepcion has established herself as a distinguished professional in accounting, procurement, financial management and compliance, dedicating more than two decades to the field. She is as vice president and controller at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, where she oversees all financial aspects of the organization. This includes managing the implementation of the Workday ERP system and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of monthly financial statements. Her role also involves maintaining strong internal controls, compliance, and proper accounting of federal grants and government contracts.
Additionally, Ms. Concepcion is responsible for closely monitoring and tracking capital expenditures, providing quarterly updates on major strategic initiatives, and presenting at board meetings. She regularly meets with auditors to ensure the effectiveness and compliance of financial controls and change management throughout the organization.
Before taking on her current role, Ms. Concepcion dedicated two decades to a nonprofit healthcare institution in downtown Chicago. She played a pivotal role in financial planning, budgeting, and managing capital spending for the construction of a new hospital, which opened in June 2012, meeting both timelines and budget expectations. During her tenure, the hospital faced major financial hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic, when revenue from inpatient care volumes, surgeries, and outpatient visits declined. In response, she contributed to a steering committee focused on bridging financial gaps and was crucial in securing government relief funds, including FEMA and state grants, to support the institution’s finances. These achievements represent the cornerstone of her career.
Ms. Concepcion prepared for her career at Robert Morris University in Chicago, earning a Bachelor of 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.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ms. Concepcion has received several prestigious awards. Notably, she was honored with the Woman of Color STEM Conference Top Women in Finance Outstanding Achievement Award in 2024, a recognition she is particularly proud of. This accolade highlights her remarkable achievements in the finance field and her commitment to empowering others, especially women, in leadership roles.
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 nonprofit organizations. Her primary goal is to give back to the community by supporting nonprofits that focus on underprivileged communities, where her expertise in finance and leadership can make a meaningful impact. Additionally, Ms. Concepcion remains dedicated to empowering others and advocating for equal representation.